Full Notification

Date: Friday, July 19, 2019
Contact Person: Sgt. Shena Kohler
Emergency Management Director
608-290-6135
Case #: SO1938286

On Friday, July 19, 2019, at 8:30 a.m., Rock County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, Janesville Police, and Janesville Fire Personnel were dispatched to the Rock County Courthouse at 51 S. Main St., Janesville, WI, for a report of a chemical incident in the Facilities Management Area of the Courthouse, where a Facilities Management worker was mixing chemicals to treat water for the Courthouse air cooling system. The Courthouse fire alarm system was activated. Deputies stationed at the Courthouse began evacuating people from the immediate area of the chemical incident. The Facilities Management personnel closed the air handling system in an effort to contain the chemical cloud.

Janesville Fire Department HAZMAT Team was dispatched to the scene. All persons were evacuated from the Courthouse, and a perimeter was established. Joint Unified Command was implemented with Fire and Law Enforcement Personnel. Local media was contacted to notify the public to avoid the area of the Rock County Courthouse.

At 9:26 a.m., upon recommendation of public safety personnel and with the authorization of County Board Chair Russ Podzilni, the Courthouse was closed for the day.

A Rock County Facilities Management employee exposed to the chemical cloud was transported to a local hospital for treatment. A Rock County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was treated at the scene
and released.

The Town of Beloit Fire Department Rehab Unit, SWEPT, and City of Beloit Police Department Command Post responded to provide support to emergency services personnel.

At the time, units remain on the scene actively involved in the HAZMAT clean-up.

Troy J. Knudson
Sheriff

By: Chief Deputy Barbara Tillman
Rock County Sheriff’s Office