A 911 dispatcher and two sheriff’s deputies have received high honors from the federal government for helping aid veterans in mental crises during two separate incidents in Lake County.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Telecommunicator Monika Reum, Deputy Francis Foy and Deputy Christopher Orlando received recognition from the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC) in North Chicago.
The three sheriff’s office members were involved in different situations where they provided assistance and resources to veterans in mental distress.
Foy, who is assigned to the Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COaST), responded to the home of a veteran in crisis in September.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said Foy immediately established a calm rapport with the veteran while building trust with him.
Foy utilized the established trust to facilitate the veteran being transported to the FHCC for needed medical and mental health care.
Senior leadership at the FHCC credited Foy with likely saving the veteran’s life, Covelli said.
In October, Reum received an emergency phone call regarding a veteran in mental distress.
Covelli said Reum took the time to speak empathetically to the caller and learn crucial information.
Reum dispatched Orlando to respond to assist the veteran. “Because of the time Telecommunicator Reum spent gathering the important details, she was able to provide Deputy Orlando with valuable information,” Covelli said.
Orlando arrived at the scene and treated the veteran with compassion and respect, Covelli said.
“Due to his calm demeanor, he is credited with preventing the already high-risk situation from escalating,” Covelli said.
Orlando arranged for the Veteran to be transported to the FHCC to receive further treatment and comprehensive care.
Reum, Foy and Orlando all received high praise from FHCC Director Doctor Robert Grant Buckley during a ceremony held at the FHCC on Monday.
“The incredible work done by Telecommunicator Reum, Deputy Foy, and Deputy Orlando truly highlights how deeply our team cares about those in crisis and our Veterans,” Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said.
“When someone dials 911 and connects with our sheriff’s dispatchers, the caller’s emergency is immediately addressed, while being treated with respect and compassion. The community receives that same high level of service when our deputies arrive at the scene. I am very proud of these three and my entire staff,” Idleburg said.