911 Services Could Face Shutdown with Rauner Veto

911 CellGovernor Bruce Rauner has been sent legislation which would create a statewide 911 system controlled by Illinois State Police, however, according to a Knox County Sheriff, if the bill does not pass soon it could mean trouble.

Sheriff David Clague says he believes if the bill sunsets by July 1st, 911 services across the state will begin to shutdown within 30 days, due to a lack of state funding.

Clague tells WGIL, that would mean reverting to an older system.

“Without 911, you’re going to have to go back,” says Clague. “There was a seven-digit number–whatever service you were calling had a different number–so, if you’re calling fire it was one number, law enforcement a different number, the county another number. Then, when you go out into the county you have 32 different agencies–law enforcement, as well as fire. Who do you call?”

Clague says it is also an issue of funding. He says he has been contacted various sheriff’s across the state who have said “they will have to shut their doors within six months under the current funding.”

Clague added that public safety is extremely important to the state. He says he believes “the wrath of God would be on the Governor if he does not sign.”

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