Cook County State’s Attorney GLBT liaison Vernita Gray was among the County and State workers scrambling to exit the Cook County Administration Building downtown last Friday. While several people lost their lives or were hospitalized, Gray was among the fortunate who, despite being overcome by smoke, was able to walk out of the structure, which does not have sprinklers despite a major renovation. Gray is pictured (LEFT) clowning with LCCP’s Jessica Halem just the night before at a Hearts Foundation benefit. Photo by Sukie de la Croix