Braidwood officials urge residents to join fight against drugs
By Mary Baskerville For The Herald-News September 18, 2012 9:24AM
Updated: October 20, 2012 6:12AM
BRAIDWOOD — Residents can play a role in helping the city fight heroin and drug addiction in Braidwood.
Public comment at a recent Braidwood City Council meeting centered on the need for the town to help young people avoid the dangers of addiction.
One resident urged a “crackdown on this heroin epidemic — let’s put a stop to this.”
Police Chief Rich Girot said help from the community is welcome.
“That’s a good sign,” he said. “That’s how we get a lot of good information — people getting involved.”
Girot asked all citizens to contact him via email with any information they may have. His email address is rgirot@braidwood.us.
At an earlier meeting, Commissioner of Public Health and Safety Eric Tessler reported that the city has already passed last year’s number of arrests for possession of cocaine or heroin, with 15 arrests.
In the past 14-month period, the city completed eight search warrants, 126 drug arrests, and saw two overdoses resulting in death. Girot urged residents to also “keep an eye on their own medication,” as prescription drug theft and abuse is also growing.
City Clerk Lisa Glisson highlighted the work of the Braidwood Area Healthy Communities Coalition and recent training received by City Hall staff. “We need the community,” she said.
The next meeting of the coalition is slated for 4:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Fossil Ridge Public Library.
Mayor Bill Rulien said drugs are “a threat to the well-being of youths.”
The mayor and council urged the community to recognize the power of communication and passed a resolution calling for “a day to eat dinner with your children.” The resolution names Sept. 24 as Family Day in Braidwood.
