NOTE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
We are in the process of recovering as a community in Winnebago County following the recent stabbing violence in Rockford the last week of March.
Winnebago County Board Members, staff, and members of the public engaged in a moment of silence at our recent County Board meeting to remember the five lives tragically taken too soon. We offer our prayers for the victims, their families, the first responders and all in the community who are reeling from the recent traumatic events.
Several others were injured in the incident as well. Neighbors, bystanders, and members of law enforcement at the scene, doing their part to keep themselves and others safe. We pray for those additional victims who were treated for serious injuries. Let us be a comfort to them as they will surely need strength as they recover both mentally and physically from their wounds.
Now more than ever, we are grateful for our fearless first responders with the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office, Rockford Police Department and Rockford Fire Department who put their lives on the line to keep us safe. We will continue to prioritize police training at the highest level to ensure our deputies remain well-equipped to respond effectively and swiftly when needed to protect our residents. Thank you also to our Coroner's Office for their hard work and compassion for families during this difficult time, and our leadership at the State's Attorney's Office for their tireless efforts in the prosecution of these cases and seeking justice for families.
It is my hope that we may hold our loved ones a little closer in the weeks ahead as we begin a new season of growing stronger together as a community.
Sincerely,
Joseph V. Chiarelli
Winnebago County Board Chairman
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