Union County Correctional Facility receives near $12k grant for life detection radar systems
By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, October 8th, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
LA GRANDE – During a regular meeting on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, the Union County Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2026-10, In the Matter of Appropriating Unanticipated Funds. This resolution accepts grant funding worth $12,910 dollars for the purchase and first-year annual upkeep of two life detection radars for the Union County Correctional Facility.
According to a memo from Lt. Nick Huelter with the Union County Sheriff’s Office (a copy of which was provided to Elkhorn Media Group by the county), life detection radars work as follows:
“Life detection radars work by identifying and monitoring vital signs and movements within particular cell or cells. They provide supplemental monitoring to video surveillance and in-person checks which in turn lowers risk and increases the likelihood of lifesaving intervention in the event of medical episode or suicide attempt with a cell.”
Huelter was initially approached by a risk management consultant for City/County Insurance (CIS) with an offer to attend a production demonstration for the new systems. After CIS agreed to provide grant funding for two radar units and their first year of upkeep, UCSO moved forward with Reassurance Solutions as a vendor for the equipment.
In total, the two units cost $10,750 dollars, with each one requiring $1,080.00 annually in maintenance and support, for a total of $12,910 in grant funding. After their first year of usage, the upkeep costs will be included in the Union County Correctional Facility’s annual budget request.
The grant funding allocation was unanimously approved by commissioners.
