Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart was recently honored for his work addressing domestic violence issues.
Rinehart, who according to unofficial results was re-elected this month, was given the Joyce Fitzgerald Award by A Safe Place, which helps victims of domestic violence and human trafficking.
The group said it gave the award to Rinehart in recognition of his leadership in advancing A Safe Place’s mission. A Safe Place and the State’s Attorney’s Office were the recipients of a $1.5 million grant from the Department of Justice.
“Eric has been a leader when it comes to the Human Trafficking Task Force, and has been a wonderful partner,” A Safe Place CEO Pat Davenport said. “We are now able to connect with victims of domestic violence and provide direct services in the courtroom because of our partnership. We look forward to continuing working with his office to help survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.”
Rinehart said he was accepting the award on behalf of his staff and prosecutors.
“These amazing public servants take their work home with them as they work to help others, reduce trauma, and make us all safer,” he said.
The award was given at A Safe Place’s annual “Unmask the Violence” gala in October, which brings together supporters and helps raise money for domestic violence programs.
Happy holidays
‘Tis the holiday season, and area police agencies have related plans.
*Lake Zurich police are conducting a Toys for Tots drive throughout the month of November. Police are asking people to consider donating new, unwrapped toys to make the season brighter for needy kids. People can bring toys to the following locations through Nov. 30: The Lake Zurich Police Department, 200 Mohawk Trail; the Lake Zurich Fire Department, 321 S. Buesching Road; Lake Zurich Community Services, 505 Telser Road; Lake Zurich Family Martial Arts, 215 S. Rand Road; Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 Transportation, 100 Church Street; Lake Zurich Ace Hardware, 100 S. Old Rand Road; Ela Area Library, 275 Mohawk Trail; Koffee Kup, 30 E. Main Street; and Starbucks South, 775 S. Rand Road.
*Zion police are among the local departments that will participate in Shop with a Cop, again making a merrier Christmas season for those in need. Keep an eye on the Facebook pages for your local police departments. Many of them participate in this wonderful charitable event.
*Gurnee police have announced that the 30th-annual John Callaghan Memorial Turkey Trot will take place on Nov. 28. The 5K fun run and walk steps off from the Gurnee Fire Station 1 on Old Grand Ave. at 8 a.m. The run, which is named for a Gurnee student who died from cancer in 1997, raises funds for charitable causes. For information, visit the GPD Facebook page.
Unattended cars
Sooner or later, we’ll get hit with winter weather.
Waukegan police are reminding people that it’s never a good idea to leave a running car unattended. It’s tempting to want to drive a warmed-up car when it’s freezing, but every year vehicles are stolen by thieves who take advantage of an easy chance to steal your wheels.
