Lake County Gazette

Public safety organizations in Lake County marked the grand opening of the Lake County Regional Operations and Communications (ROC) Facility on June 27, following over a decade of planning and coordination.

"It will provide our local first responders with state-of-the-art technology in a purpose-built facility. This will result in overall long-term cost savings, fewer service redundancies and ultimately save time, lives, and property when minutes matter most," said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, according to a news release.

According to the release, LakeComm will serve as the consolidated 9-1-1 emergency communications center for 30 police and fire/EMS agencies. It will employ the computer software system introduced last year for local law enforcement and fire/EMS agencies, consolidating more than 15 systems into a single integrated package. The system includes computer-aided dispatch (CAD), records management, and law enforcement reporting.

The release further states that the Lake County Emergency Management Agency (LCEMA) will utilize the space to prepare and train local communities for major storms, disasters, and countywide emergencies. LCEMA will activate the Emergency Operations Center with partners such as the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Red Cross coordinating resources for those in need. The ROC was designed to withstand severe weather events like tornadoes and long-term power outages. As Lake County's first net-zero building, it consumes no more energy than is produced from renewable sources. More than 1,900 solar panels power the facility, while heating and cooling are achieved using a geothermal energy system of 56 wells located 400 feet below ground.

Funding for the ROC came from various sources: a $30 million Lake County General Obligation Bond, additional funds from the county's capital program, contributions from the American Rescue Plan Act, a $5 million commitment from the Lake County Emergency Telephone System Board, $2 million from an Illinois Clean Energy Communities Foundation Grant, and a $1 million Emergency Operations Center Grant obtained by Representative Brad Schneider.