Latest news with #DustinHeuerman
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Champaign Co. Sheriff shares Memorial Day seatbelt enforcement results
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Champaign County Sheriff Dustin Heuerman is releasing statistics from the traffic detail conducted over the holiday weekend. The grant-funded traffic detail focused specifically on seat belt enforcement over Memorial Day weekend. During the enforcement efforts, deputies conducted 12 traffic stops which resulted in 13 traffic citations being issued and one arrest for aggravated DUI and possession of a controlled substance. As Champaign Co. prepares to discuss a solar proposal, residents voice concerns Additionally, Heuerman is reminding drivers that the privilege of operating a vehicle requires full and unimpaired attention to ensure safe operation of that vehicle. 'Get a designated driver if your plans include possible intoxication, don't violate speed limits or otherwise drive recklessly, don't text and drive, and always buckle up!' Heuerman said in a press release. The traffic detail was able to be carried out through federal highway safety funds distributed by the Illinois Department of Transportation and is part of the Illinois-wide 'Click It or Ticket' campaign. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Champaign County approves new Sheriff's deputy, allows for full-time DCFS deputy
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Champaign County Board approved on Thursday the addition of a new deputy at the Sheriff's Office, which would help fill a special role within the agency. It would give Sheriff Dustin Heuerman the ability to move an experienced deputy into a full-time role assisting DCFS, stationing them at Champaign County's local DCFS office. A new deputy would be hired to fill the position left vacant by the transfer. Illinois DCFS marks Childhood Drowning Prevention Month Heuerman said this partnership with DCFS is something he's kept his eyes on for a long time. 'DCFS has been establishing partnerships with local sheriff's offices for a couple of years now,' Heuerman said. It started after social worker Deidra Silas was killed during a home visit in 2022. DCFS was looking for a way to keep its employees safe and saw a partnership with law enforcement as a way to do it effectively. It's called the DCFS Co-Responder Program. So far, 15 locations across the state have joined, but not Champaign County. 'I was a little hesitant because, with all new programs, I want to make sure all the kinks are worked out before we enter into that collaboration,' Heuerman said. Now, Heuerman said he's seen and heard enough. He talked to sheriff's offices and departments across the state, including Sangamon County. They started as a part of the Co-Responder Program but pulled out this year. 'I actually spoke with [Sheriff Paula Crouch] about that because I wanted to know why they weren't in that arrangement anymore,' Heuerman said. 'And she had good things to say about the arrangement. It's just she didn't have enough people to cover the streets, let alone those specialty assignments.' Former Champaign Co. deputy arraigned on theft charge Which is why Heuerman is asked the County Board for permission to hire another deputy. He sees a more experienced person moving into the role with DCFS. 'Not all home visits are high-risk, but law enforcement does have access to databases and to information that DCFS workers may not,' Heuerman said. He sees this extra information — the option of sending the deputy on home visits — and streamlining the process between agencies as valuable. And it won't cost the county a dime. 'It is 100% reimbursed [by the state], so the county is 100% reimbursed for the equipment and the personnel, and anything that goes into this position,' Heuerman said. 'This collaboration really is a benefit to all individuals involved.' Heuerman said he's excited to get this started and believes this will benefit all parties involved. The referendum will go into effect on July 1, but Heuerman isn't sure if he'll have someone in place by then. WCIA reached out to DCFS for comment and was provided with the following statement: The DCFS Co-Responder Program, which is already active in 15 other locations across the state, contributes to the increased safety of our front line staff who work tirelessly every day to ensure the safety and well-being of our children and youth. We are grateful to the Sheriff's Office for their support of our work and shared mission of safety. Heather Tarczan, DCFS Director of Communications Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
‘Click it or Ticket' ahead of Memorial Day, Champaign Co. Sheriff says
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — With Memorial Day and the unofficial start of summer approaching, the Champaign County Sheriff's Office is reminding drivers to 'Click it or Ticket,' especially that weekend and in the week leading up to it. Sheriff Dustin Heuerman said his office will be taking part in a nationwide high-visibility seatbelt enforcement initiative starting May 16 and going through Memorial Day. Deputies will be taking a 'no-excuses' approach to enforcement and will issue citations at both day and night. 'Seat belt use should be an automatic habit for everyone,' Sheriff Heuerman said. 'It's not just safe; it's the law. During this campaign, law enforcement agencies will be working together to ensure the message reaches all drivers and passengers. Buckling up is the simplest way to reduce injury or save a life in a crash.' Boone reappointed as Urbana Police Chief Heuerman added that the State of Illinois achieved a commendable 92.4% daytime seatbelt usage last year, but that means 7.6% of people still need to be reminded. While enforcement will happen at both day and night, a key focus of the 'Click it or Ticket' campaign is on nighttime enforcement, when crash data in Illinois indicated fatal crashes happen more. Illinois enacted its seatbelt law 40 years ago, becoming the third state in the nation to require seatbelt use for all vehicle occupants. The law was upgraded in 2003, allowing police officers to pull over and ticket drivers solely for failing to buckle up, and that led to a significant increase in compliance. Data shows seat belt usage surged from 16% in 1985 to 92.4% in 2024. The 'Click It or Ticket' campaign is funded with federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Yahoo
Champaign Co. man accused of stabbing wife during domestic incident
URBANA TOWNSHIP, Ill. (WCIA) — An Urbana Township man is under arrest after the Champaign County Sheriff's Office said he stabbed his wife during a domestic dispute Sunday night. Sheriff Dustin Heuerman said in a release Monday afternoon that the stabbing happened around 8 p.m. on Gurth Drive. Deputies were called by a third party on behalf of the victim, and they arrived to find a 54-year-old woman with a stab wound. The victim was taken to Carle Hospital, where she is listed in stable condition. Urbana Police, Crime Stoppers looking for tips in 2021 murder investigation Her husband, 51-year-old Rafael Magdaleno-Mendoza, was arrested without incident at the home. He is facing charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery and aggravated domestic battery, and he remains in custody awaiting an initial court hearing on Tuesday. Heuerman also asked that anyone who has additional information on this incident calls 217-384-1213. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may also submit tips to Crime Stoppers by calling 217-373-8477, visiting their website or by using the P3 Tips app. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Yahoo
Champaign County Sheriff's Office looking to correct a hiring issue
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — If you're looking to break into the criminal justice field — there's new opportunities right here in Champaign County. The Sheriff's Office is making a push to hire about a dozen people in their corrections department to fill an increased need. Sheriff Dustin Heuerman said they need more people to effectively open the renovated Champaign County jail. Inmates who are currently in other counties will be moving back in soon. Which means more correctional officers and behind the scenes personnel will be needed. Urbana man arrested on gun charges over weekend 'I am completely full when it comes to deputies. Right now, it's corrections that has really kind of suffered,' Heuerman said. The Champaign County Sheriff's Office is hiring. The department is posting on Facebook to try and attract new applicants for two positions: Correctional Officers and Master Control Officers. 'We have about five positions of a correctional officer. And what that means is working either for second or third shift in the Champaign County jail,' Heuerman said. Champaign County Sheriff Dustin Heuerman said the control officers are more behind the scenes. UPDATE: One dead after Champaign shooting 'They don't have face to face contact with inmates,' Heuerman said. People in the control position can validate warrants to an officer in the field and control the doors of the jail. Heuerman said this can be a part-time roll. 'If somebody is looking for, you know, this a couple of times a week or a couple shifts a week, that this may be a really good opportunity for them to get into the criminal justice field and kind of see how they like it,' Heuerman said. The Sheriff said there's a reason for the timing of these ads. 'We have consistently been down correctional officers,' Heuerman said. 'We have gotten up a little bit. And then some people are leaving. Why it's such an immediate thing now is because we're about to open the full facility.' Urbana fatal hit-and-run goes to grand jury He's talking about the Champaign County Jail. Heuerman said they're looking to reopen fully in the beginning of April — and that takes more people. If the positions are all filled he thinks it will create a safer environment for both inmates and officers. 'If somebody is looking for stable employment, that that pays well, that has benefits, then I really hope they take a look at the sheriff's office and see what kind of opportunities we can provide for them,' Heuerman said. To find out more about applying to work for the sheriff's office, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
