County Supervisor John Benoit hospitalized and set to reduce workload
On Friday morning, Riverside County Supervisor John Benoit notified colleagues and friends that he will be reducing his workload due to an illness.
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
Weeks of discomfort, dry coughing and extreme fatigue led to my having a CT Scan Wednesday. The scan revealed a number of pulmonary embolisms as well as a growth on the pancreas. There are also spots on my liver and in my lungs. I was immediately admitted and am currently undergoing treatment and testing at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage. It will be the middle of next week before a specific diagnosis is reached. However, the consensus of the doctors seems to be that I will need rest and an aggressive chemotherapy process. In light of the above I must reluctantly reduce my workload. I will remain in close contact with my staff, however my Chief of Staff Michelle DeArmond is authorized to handle most matters to conclusion. I Intend to continue attending Board of Supervisors Meetings, but I may utilize video or teleconferencing. My outstanding staff will represent me at most other meetings. I am hopeful that rest and appropriate treatment will result in my return to full work status in a few months. In the meantime, I appreciate all the prayers and support that I have received, and I trust in God and know that he has a plan. JOHN J BENOIT, Chairman Riverside County Board of Supervisors
The Supervisor’s Office says they are deeply concerned for his health, but are optimistic. The provided us with this statement: “As you might imagine, we are deeply concerned about Supervisor Benoit and his health. He is wisely reducing his workload, resting and undergoing treatment. Supervisor Benoit has exceptional stamina and good health, and we are hoping he ultimately is able to return to full duty. He has a lot of support from this office, the County of Riverside family and the community at large.
We have extremely skilled staff who have been trained by Supervisor Benoit and are quite capable of stepping up to help with his workload. They are all knowledgeable about his policy positions and equipped to continue serving the constituents of the Fourth District. Additionally, he is staying in close contact with us and remains informed about the work we’re doing.”
Prior to his role as Supervisor, Benoit worked with the California Highway Patrol for nearly 30 years. “He retired as the commander and captain of the CHP office in Indio. He was well liked and well respected by the people who worked for him. when I heard about the news today I was very sad, and I actually talked to the senior officers who worked directly under him and they were very upset to hear about the news as well,” said CHP Officer Mike Radford.
