Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Thanks EMRS Director Ted Berger For His Service (Cook County, IL) – 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.
“I’d like to send my deepest gratitude to Director Ted Berger and his entire team for all their work in the 16th District and the entire county,” said Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar. “These situations were literally life or death. The quick and decisive actions taken by the EMRS team, including the incredible cooperation between first responders and local officials on many levels, allowed us to keep residents safe and get aid delivered to those in need. Thank you Ted!”
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 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.
The quick and decisive actions Director Berger instructed his team to take saved lives, homes, and businesses, and was crucial in maintaining order in affected communities. Under his direction, the EMRS teams were deployed within the hour to clear debris, restore power, and help coordinate clean-up efforts.
“Ted Berger’s leadership has made Cook County stronger, more resilient and better prepared for the future,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Whether guiding us through the COVID-19 pandemic or responding to historic natural disasters, Ted led with clarity, compassion and purpose. We are grateful for his service and proud to see him continue this important work at the state level.”
Director Berger also worked closely with Commissioner Aguilar, local municipal officials, and both the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Illinois Emergency Management Agency to accurately document damages, report them to the necessary aid agencies, and ensure that municipalities, homeowners, and businesses had successfully applied for the relief they needed to rebuild.
Due to the efforts of Director Berger, Commissioner Aguilar, and local officials, the 16th District received over $290 million in residential and homeowner support and over $100 million in business support through federal agencies.
“On behalf of the Cook County Department Emergency Management and Regional Security, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Ted Berger for his outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication,” said EMRS interim Executive Director Angela Gilkes. “Ted’s commitment to public safety, collaboration and emergency preparedness has left a lasting impact on our department and the communities we serve. It has been an honor to work alongside him, and we look forward to continuing to partner with him in his new role.”
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.
Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Thanks EMRS Director Ted Berger For His Service
