Congressman Sorensen to announce funding secured for Winnebago County Sheriff's Office

On Monday, May 13, 2024, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) will join Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Winnebago County Chairman Joseph Chiarelli, and Sheriff Gary Caruana to announce $847,000 Sorensen secured for a new police training center. The investment will allow Winnebago County to purchase state-of-the-art training equipment for the facility and train officers from across Illinois. 

“Our police work on strained budgets and need more support to do their jobs effectively,” said Sorensen. “I’m proud to have secured tax dollars to fund the police through equipment for a new training center in Winnebago County that will help prepare, recruit, and retain police officers in Northern Illinois. This center will provide our officers with the high-quality resources they need to reduce crime and keep our communities safe.” 

The new training center will provide local, state, and federal law enforcement personnel with real-world simulation training.

“This funding will allow Winnebago County to operate a state-of-the-art police training facility that is unmatched in our region,” said Chiarelli. “Investing in the quality training of our law enforcement will not only strengthen retention, but attract new recruits. Providing this scenario-based education will result in properly trained officers who are well-equipped to serve and protect our community. I thank Congressman Sorensen for his support of this project.” 

Sorenson secured the funding as part of the Community Project Funding process, which allows Congressional members to request direct funding for projects that positively benefit the communities they serve.

The press conference will take place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Winnebago County Administration Building in Room #303 at 404 Elm Street in Rockford.