Speaking to 900 students on addiction

Teaching our youth about addiction is crucial.

Faith

Great Story and outcome.

Yesterday at approximately 1630 I received a dispatch call while on routine patrol.  I figured it would be a police service call.  The dispatcher advised me that a subject is at the police department wanting to go to rehab.  Upon my arrival I observed a man with a duffle bag.  I welcomed him into the police department, this man was a citizen 41 years old and told me his story how he lost everything, his family, his job due to meth and heroin use.  I made some calls and could only get him in a facility today at 1pm.  He told me that he has no place to stay.  He did not want to go into a shelter; he stayed in a tent during the night in the back yard of another person that went into rehab.  This morning she called and said he is still there but very wet.  I told her to let him know I have to arrange a ride for him.   I had another issue we are shorthanded at the police department and could not find a ride for him.  I called a person that went through the safe passage program recently.  I asked if we paid the gas would you help this man, he did not hesitate and said yes lets go.   He made it safely by 1pm, we all hope and pray he makes it through rehab and be able to establish his relationships with his family in which he talked mostly about. 

Be Well
Chief

Thank You Donation

The Royal Neighbors of America donated $500.00 to the Kincaid Police Department to help with the Safe Passage Program. The president Jeannette Miloncus handed us the check. Tammy Miloncus is the event planner for this organization. The reason for this donation is it touched Tammy Miloncus close to home. Her daughter was sent through safe passage a little over 3 months ago and they wanted to give back. In the picture from left to right is Tammy Miloncus, Chief Wheeler, Jeannette Miloncus and Edinburg Police Chief Brad Herzog who is also involved with Safe Passage.
Thank You.

Recovery

Kincaid Police wants you to know we will help anyone with addiction, if you take that first step and ask for help. On Thursday last week a young lady and her mother came into the station and the young lady asked for help. She was tired of almost dying from overdosing several times and her life was unmanageable, she is also a mother of young children. Kincaid Police spent several hours to find her a rehab center due to insurance issues. The earliest opening was six weeks away. This is way too long, she is here we have to get treatment today or stand a chance of her going getting high I advised the rehab centers all I was getting was we are full. We were able to locate a place three hours away, the first bed was not available till today at 8:30am. We were all concerned that 6 days is a long time. We kept in constant contact with the family, I am happy saying she made it to the center this morning at 8:30. We all pray that she stays the whole program to get clean and sober for herself and her kids. I want to thank her mother for being so consistent to getting her treatment. I wish the state had more resources to get individuals treatment faster.

Be Well

Chief 

Trump declares the opioid crisis a public health emergency. 

August 31st, 2017 Overdose Awareness Day.

 

 

I went to a round table gathering on August 24th, 2017 with several other Police Chiefs and Dignitaries from my home State of Illinois.  We focused on the Heroin Epidemic and brainstormed what we can do to solve the problem. 

We have answers its if we can get certain laws passed through legislation.  Until then it is up to each community starting with the leaders of every police organization to educate your community on this problem.  Be very proactive against the dealers that are putting this drug in the hands of the addicts and help the addicts recover.  Please as a Police Chief I urge other Chiefs to speak to your members and get a plan to attack this epidemic.  Please reach out to me with any questions or suggestions.

Runner up for Illinois Officer of the Year (American Legion) very humbled to be a finalist July 14th, 2017.