An executive director has been appointed as construction is advancing on a 37,000-square-foot facility that will house 911 dispatch services for 30 agencies in Lake County.
The new Regional Operations and Communications (ROC) Facility in Libertyville is on track to open in 2025.
Officials say construction is progressing with crews working through winter to prepare the building for operations.
The state-of-the-art facility will house three agencies — LakeComm, the Lake County Emergency Management Agency (LCEMA) and the Joint Emergency Telephone System Board (JETSB).
LakeComm will serve as a consolidated Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for partnering agencies, municipalities and unincorporated areas of Lake County, covering more than 425,000 residents.
LakeComm will handle 911 calls for law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services.
“With the opening of the ROC in 2025, LakeComm will be one step closer to completing our 9-1-1 consolidation efforts and providing state-of-the-art service to our member agencies,” said Kevin Timony, Chair of the LakeComm Member Board of Directors and Village Manager for Vernon Hills.
“This will allow us to achieve our overall mission of getting the right public safety resources to the right location, with the right information, in the shortest amount of time,” Timony said.
LCEMA coordinates people, plans and resources to protect Lake County communities from disasters such as tornadoes and floods. It includes Lake County staff and community volunteers.
The ROC will also house the Emergency Operations Center, providing a modernized space for disaster preparation and critical, real-time coordination across multiple agencies.
“The ROC will offer essential protection from hazards like tornadoes, ensuring we can continue supporting our community during disasters,” said Daniel Eder, Manager of LCEMA.
“We’ll also be able to conduct advanced disaster-response training, improving readiness across our agencies. Co-locating with LakeComm will enhance coordination among emergency communications, public safety and emergency management,” Eder said.
JETSB will support LakeComm with technology and training resources. Local law enforcement and fire agencies adopted public safety software earlier this year which LakeComm will use at the ROC.
“The speed and efficiency of processing emergency calls will improve significantly,” said J. Kevin Hunter, Chair of the JETSB and Lake County Board Member for District 5.
“By reducing the need to transfer many calls, we’ll be able to save valuable time and potentially, lives,” Hunter said.
The ROC is being built to withstand extended power outages and severe weather.
Security features will include vehicle barriers, reinforced construction, high-impact-resistant window treatments and secure parking.
Interior work was underway throughout the ROC in November. The solar array powering the facility is operational.
Framing for the stretched fabric ceilings was also being installed in November in the designated dispatch and Emergency Operations Center areas and drywall installation had begun.
Officials say the building will offer a bright, daylight-filled workspace and areas for training, staff education and fitness. Walking trails and a patio will be outside and aim to support employee wellness.
The LakeComm Board of Directors appointed Jason E. Kern as the LakeComm Executive Director earlier this month.
Kern has over 30 years of public service experience with a background in law enforcement, fire, EMS, emergency management, legislative work, project management and 911 public safety communications.
Kern previously served as the longest-tenured Executive Director at Southeast Emergency Communications (SEECOM) in Crystal Lake. He will assume his new role on January 20.
Members of the Lake County Board and county officials recently gave U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider a tour of the ROC.
Schneider assisted in Lake County securing $1 million from the 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act for construction.
Additional funding sources include a $2 million grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, a $5 million commitment from the Lake County Emergency Telephone System Board, a $30 million Lake County General Obligation Bond approved by the Lake County Board and contributions from Lake County’s Capital Program and the American Rescue Plan Act.
“We are deeply grateful for Congressman Schneider’s invaluable support, the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation’s grant award and the dedication of everyone involved in making the ROC a reality,” said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart.
“This facility will bring together the latest cutting-edge technology and resources needed for emergency responders to protect our residents, creating a safer Lake County,” Hart said.