Cook County’s Executive Director of the Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) Ted Berger has announced that he is leaving his position. In his role, Director Berger helped navigate Cook County, and especially the 16th District, through multiple “once-in-a-century” weather events, including the devastating storms and subsequent flooding in the summer of 2023. Director Berger was always extremely proactive, making sure that local municipalities and their leadership were equipped with the tools and resources they needed to protect their communities from severe weather. When weather events occurred, Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar knew that Director Berger and the EMRS team would be immediately available to deploy whatever emergency services were needed to maintain safety for both people and property.  Although leaving Cook County, Ted Berger will still be keeping his expertise in government. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has appointed him Director of Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security. While Commissioner Aguilar hopes that Cook County and the 16th District will be spared from future major weather events, he knows that Ted Berger will always support the municipalities and residents of Cook County and Illinois when they are in need.