Sheriff’s Merit Commission reorganizes
By BRIAN STANLEY Bstanley@stmedianetwork.com January 11, 2013 7:54PM
Updated: February 14, 2013 6:33AM
JOLIET — After several months in limbo, the committee that hires, fires, promotes and disciplines Will County Sheriff’s deputies is back to full strength.
The Sheriff’s Merit Commission has met monthly but hasn’t had a full five-member board since two commissioners retired last summer. The mix of “civilians” and retired police officers are recommended by the sheriff, but must be appointed by the county board.
In August, longtime Chairman Robert Georgantas resigned shortly before his 90th birthday. Georgantas, a retired state police major, had served on the commission for 25 years. The following week, retired dentist Clarence J. Red, who had also served more than 20 years, told Sheriff Paul Kaupas he would be living out of state.
That left retired Joliet police officer James Albritton, retired Will County Clerk Jan Gould and Ironworkers Business Manager Howard Norberg.
They are now joined by retired sheriff’s deputies Don LaPaglia and Tom Morrison.
Last week, Norberg was elected chairman and LaPaglia as vice chair.
Gould did not attend, but had indicated she would accept an officer position “if no one else wanted it,” Albritton said.
Within five seconds of Albritton’s announcement, Gould had been nominated, seconded and unanimously selected as commission secretary.
“That’s what happens when you’re not here,” Kaupas said.
Now that the board is organized, they’re expected to approve requiring education requirements be fulfilled at regionally accredited colleges and extending the probation period on promotions from one year to 18 months at an upcoming meeting.
