On June 24, 2019, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office learned ‘Civil War Days,’ hosted by the Lake County Forest Preserve, was canceled.  Forest Preserve Officials cited the cancellation was due to security concerns.  

Prior to the decision by the Lake County Forest Preserve, on Friday, June 21, 2019, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office communicated to the Forest Preserve that an official request would be needed to conduct an evaluation of the threats and/or safety concerns.  The Lake County Sheriff’s Office did not receive any official request nor any supporting documentation to conduct an evaluation, therefore, the Sheriff’s Office was unable to render any recommendations to Forest Preserve Officials.

On June 25, 2019, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by Lake County Commissioner Dick Barr.  Commissioner Barr requested the Sheriff’s Office conduct a criminal investigation into the threats, to determine if the threats were criminal in nature, and if so, work to hold those accountable who made such threats.  

Following today’s request from Commissioner Barr, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office reached out to the Lake County Forest Preserve and requested all of the documentation and information surrounding any threats made concerning ‘Civil War Days.’ Lake County Sheriff’s Administration sent a request to Forest Preserve Administration/Forest Preserve Public Safety requesting they meet with our Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division.  

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is committed to providing assistance and resources to the Lake County Forest Preserve and any other organizations, when requested.