Governor Quinn Announces Safety Improvements to Illinois Veterans' Homes

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that safety improvements are being made to Illinois' Veterans Homes. Sprinkler upgrade projects are either underway or were recently completed at the Quincy, Manteno, LaSalle and Anna Veterans' Homes. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to provide the best possible services to the heroes who have served our nation.

"In his Second Inaugural Address, President Lincoln told us we must take care of those who ‘have borne the battle,'" Governor Quinn said. "With these safety improvements at Illinois Veterans' Homes, we are doing what we know is the right thing to do in the Land of Lincoln - taking care of our heroes."

"We are grateful to Governor Quinn for his steadfast commitment to our Illinois veterans and their families for the past five years," Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Acting Director Rodrigo Garcia said. "His leadership, clear focus and careful attention to the needs of our most vulnerable veterans - those living in our homes - clearly underscores the depth of that commitment. Governor Quinn is a true friend to all Illinois veterans."

The sprinkler upgrade projects are managed by the Illinois Capital Development Board, which oversees all non-road state construction projects. All contracts were awarded following a competitive bid process.

The Illinois Veterans Home - Quincy sprinkler system will be upgraded in a $1.69 million project that will provide new wet-pipe sprinkler systems in residential, client services, administrative and support service buildings. In addition, a dry-pipe sprinkler system will be installed in attics, food service freezers and outdoor porches on several buildings. The plumbing contract went to Automatic Fire Sprinkler, LLC of Normal, the lowest of three bidders at $1,587,300. The electrical contract was awarded to Prairie State Plumbing & Heating, Inc. of Athens, the lower of two bidders at $111,200. Construction work should begin shortly.

Additionally, there is another sprinkler upgrade underway at Quincy, funded as part of an ongoing renovation project. The Elmore and Schapers Buildings are residential care units that did not previously have full sprinkler coverage, and this is now being addressed. The sprinkler system contract was awarded to Automatic Fire Sprinkler, LLC of Normal for $374,540; the general construction contract went to Waterkotte Construction, Inc. of Quincy for $89,500; and the electrical portion was awarded to Prairie State Plumbing & Heating, Inc. of Athens for $15,150.

"Protecting our veterans, after their commitment and dedication to protecting our country, is an absolute given. These necessary improvements could save the lives of those who nobly served our country," said State Senator John M. Sullivan (D-Rushville), whose district includes the Illinois Veterans Home - Quincy.

Phase four of the fire suppression sprinkler system upgrade at the Illinois Veterans Home - Manteno was completed for $308,740 by Automatic Fire Sprinkler, LLC of Normal, the lower of two bidders. Sprinklers were installed in dietary coolers and in interconnecting hallways that the residents use to get from one building to another. The upgrades will ensure the facility complies with life-safety code changes that have occurred since the home was built. Residential areas and other spaces utilized by the residents and professional staff are already equipped.

"The safety and maintenance of our state's residences ensure the security of the people that use them every day. When job creation, the safety of our citizens, and the preservation of our state infrastructure go hand-in-hand, it's a win for everyone," said State Senator Donne E. Trotter (D-Chicago), whose district includes the Illinois Veterans Home - Manteno.

Phase three of the fire suppression sprinkler system upgrade at Illinois Veterans Home - Anna was performed for $21,788 by Automatic Fire Sprinkler, LLC of Normal, the lowest of four bidders. Sprinklers were installed in dietary coolers and the long portico at the front of the building and other areas to ensure safe emergency exits from the building. The upgrades will help the facility comply with life-safety code changes that have occurred since the home was built. Residential areas and other spaces utilized by the residents and professional staff are already equipped.

Phase two of the fire suppression sprinkler system upgrades at Illinois Veterans Home - LaSalle was done for $3,730 by Automatic Fire Systems, LLC of Rockford, the lowest of six bidders. Sprinklers were installed in dietary coolers and freezers. The upgrades helped the facility comply with life-safety code changes that have occurred since the home was built. Residential areas and other spaces utilized by the residents and professional staff are already equipped.

Governor Quinn has long been a leading advocate and supporter of Illinois veterans. His efforts include signing a law to create the Veterans Cash lottery ticket to be sold year round with 100 percent of proceeds supporting Illinois veterans. In 2011, Governor Quinn launched the Welcome Home Heroes program to support Illinois service members seeking home ownership. Since that time more than 1,500 Illinois veterans, active military personnel, reservists and Illinois National Guard members have accessed more than $170 million to buy their homes.

The Governor also championed the Military Family Relief Fund, which has provided more than $15.4 million in support of 28,840 families of deployed service members since its inception in 2003. Governor Quinn also signed a law to make employment and job training organizations eligible to receive grants through the Veterans Assistance Fund.

Operated by the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA), all four Illinois Veterans' Homes are fully staffed with caring and dedicated professionals who provide quality long-term skilled care and services to resident members. Volunteers from veteran service organizations and the local community provide many additional supporting services and activities to the veterans.

Each home is licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health and certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center of jurisdiction. The homes work closely with the local healthcare community to ensure that each resident's specific health care needs are met. Emphasis is given to ensuring that each resident member is well cared for, has a full quality of life, and enjoys a caring, supportive environment. For more information about IDVA and the homes, visit veterans.illinois.gov