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Gurnee public safety updates: wellness, apprenticeship pipeline and community programs
Summary
Police and fire leaders told the board they are expanding wellness programs, using clinician partnerships after traumatic events, advancing apprenticeship recruitment from College of Lake County, and running community engagement programs that support recruitment and public trust.
Police and fire department leaders described recruitment and retention work during the Oct. 27 strategic plan update, emphasizing wellness services, training and community engagement as retention tools.
Deputy Chief Douglas said the department partners with a 9‑1‑1 wellness clinician group that provides one‑hour wellness checks and on‑site clinicians after traumatic incidents; clinicians also participate in annual active‑shooter and trauma training. The police apprenticeship program with College of Lake County has produced candidates who may qualify for officer positions in the near term; staff expect an apprentice to be eligible to apply for an officer role in September.
Fire department staff said recruitment category changes and new outreach have produced younger candidates entering firefighter training, including at least one recruit who recently entered the fire academy. Staff described ongoing collaboration with neighboring agencies and internal hiring changes intended to smooth career pathways.
Police also described several community engagement programs that they said support public safety goals and community relations: Safety Stars, Cops and Bobbers (in partnership with the park district), Splash the Badge, Heroes and Hoops, and Shop with a Cop. Staff described participation in Protect Lake County, a multidisciplinary pilot program that convenes law enforcement, health‑care providers and the state's attorney to review cases involving behavioral health indicators and recommend next steps and resources.
Leaders said the combination of wellness, training and community engagement supports retention, recruitment and stronger partnerships with local businesses and institutions.
