Telecommunicator, two deputies honored for aiding veterans

Three members of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office received high honors from the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago.

Telecommunicator Monika Reum, Deputy Francis Foy, and Deputy Christopher Orlando received the recognition after being in different situations where they provided assistance and resources to veterans in mental distress.

In September of 2023, Deputy Foy, who is assigned to the Crisis Outreach and Support Team, responded to the home of a veteran in crisis. Deputy Foy immediately established a calm rapport with the veteran, while building trust with him. Deputy Foy utilized that established trust to facilitate the veteran being transported to the FHCC for needed medical and mental health care. Senior leadership at the FHCC credited Deputy Foy with likely saving the veteran’s life.

In October of 2023, Telecommunicator Reum took an emergency phone call regarding a veteran in mental distress. Telecommunicator Reum took the time to speak empathetically to the caller and learn crucial information. Telecommunicator Reum dispatched Deputy Christopher 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.

Deputy Orlando arrived at the scene and treated the veteran with compassion and respect. Due to his calm demeanor, he is credited with preventing the already high-risk situation from escalating. Deputy Orlando arranged for the veteran to be transported to the FHCC to receive further treatment and comprehensive care.

Telecommunicator Reum, Deputy Foy, and Deputy Orlando all received high praise from FHCC Director Dr. Robert Grant Buckley during a ceremony held at the FHCC on Feb. 5.

“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,” Sheriff John D. 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.”