Sheriff announces switch to 12‑hour deputy shifts and expanded EMR training

The LaSalle County Sheriff reported progress on staffing and emergency medical response efforts and told the Public Safety Committee the department will move deputies to 12‑hour shifts and expand EMR training and equipment.

The sheriff said four recruits are currently in the academy and that, under a new contract, the department plans to switch deputies to 12‑hour patrol shifts with an eight‑hour rotation every two weeks, effective March 16. He described sending deputies through Ottawa Hospital’s EMR training; five deputies have completed that training so far.

The sheriff also described efforts to equip deputies with full medical kits and defibrillators. He estimated a full medical kit and AED for each deputy could cost “maybe in the neighborhood of $3,000,” and asked the committee whether those purchases could be considered for public safety funding or grant support.

Committee members praised the program’s potential to save lives in rural areas but asked whether expanded duties would increase county liability. Tom Templeton said certified training and adherence to standards should protect the county, but urged staff to consult the county’s insurance trust and legal advisors about coverage and risk.

The committee agreed staff should pursue grant possibilities and return with firm cost estimates at the next meeting so members can consider formal funding requests.