Cook County Distributes Thousands of Personal Protective Equipment to South Suburban First Responders

Today, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle was joined by Cook County’s Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) to announce the distribution of thousands of personal protective equipment (PPE) to south suburban first responders.

The announcement, made at the County’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC) in Oak Forest, is a continuation of the County’s efforts to distribute the essential equipment to emergency responders during the COVID-19 crisis.

“I am deeply grateful to our first responders and emergency workers who are on the frontlines of this crisis and selflessly devoting their expertise every day,” said President Preckwinkle. “We must ensure these emergency workers continue to have the resources and equipment needed to protect themselves while performing their duties. I am proud of the hard work the Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security has done in distributing this essential protective equipment to municipalities across the County.”

“While it takes a County to respond to the pandemic, our first responders are on the front lines of this battle,” said William Barnes, Executive Director of the Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security. “Recognizing the important role they play, Cook County is doing all that it can to support these brave men and women.”

To date, Cook County has distributed PPE to more than 120 of its 135 municipalities. This includes N95 protective masks, surgical masks and gloves, protective gowns and coveralls, eye protection, face shields, infection control kits and head and shoe covers. 

For more information and resources about Cook County’s response to COVID-19, visit the webpage or subscribe to text alerts by texting “AlertCook” to 888-777.