“Today, approximately 140 first-responders responded to an active incident, to keep our community safe.  The spill of anhydrous ammonia had a major impact on the people of Beach Park and surrounding communities.  The Lake County Sheriff’s Office worked diligently with Fire and Village officials to notify the community of the danger as quick as we possibly could.  

The latest report we have is 37 members of our community required transport to an area hospital, after breathing in the toxic fumes.  This includes 11 firefighters, two deputies, and one police officer.  One of those firefighters, along with six other members of the community are currently in critical condition.

I wish to take a brief moment and commend all of our Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies, police officers from nearly twenty area police departments, and all of the firefighters who risked their lives today to help others.  You are an amazing group of men and women.  

To those who remain in the hospital, the men and women of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office wish you a fast recovery.  

Our Deputies and Detectives will be working with other area officials to determine what happened during this incident.  We appreciate the community’s support during the event today, and the community’s patience during the investigation.”