Another member retires for sheriff’s merit panel
By BRIAN STANLEY bstanley@stmedianetwork.com October 5, 2012 3:48PM
Updated: November 8, 2012 11:41AM
JOLIET — The retirement of another veteran member has left the Will County Sheriff’s Merit Commission short-handed again.
In August, longtime Chairman Robert Georgantas resigned shortly before his 90th birthday. Since January 1987, Georgantas, a retired state police major, had been a member of the commission that authorizes hiring, firing, discipline and promotion of deputies.
A few days later, Clarence J. Red, who was absent from Georgantas’ final meeting, wrote a letter to inform Sheriff Paul Kaupas he will also be leaving the board.
“I am unable to continue on the merit commission as (wife) Euna and I will be spending more time in California,” Red wrote. “I have enjoyed my 20-plus years as a member.”
Commissioner Jan Gould called the retired dentist “a real gentleman.” Red, Gould and Howard Norberg do not have law enforcement backgrounds, while James Albritton is a retired Joliet police captain.
Last month the Will County Board approved replacing Georgantas with Don LaPaglia, a retired sheriff’s deputy with 26 years’ experience. But the commission delayed selecting a chairman until Red’s seat is filled.
Kaupas has nominated Peotone resident Tom Morrison to the vacancy. Morrison retired as a deputy chief from the sheriff’s police five years ago. He is also a former Harvey police officer.
If Morrison is approved, the commissioners will select a new chairman at the November meeting. The merit commission is also expected to approve regulations accepting any newly-hired deputy’s active duty military experience in place of college educational requirements.
