Ron Davis
Address: 17818 Red Shale Hill Road
Age: 53
Occupation: Business owner/retired Illinois State Police Officer
Marital status: Married with three children.
Education: Illinois Central College, University of Illinois (Police Training Institute), Illinois State
Police Academy and University of Missouri (Enhanced North America Standard Inspections, Radioactive Shipment Inspections, Hazardous Materials Inspections and Hazardous Waste Operations).
Elected offices held: Illinois State Police Benevolent District director, Troopers Council representative for District No. 8, Fraternal Order of Police Troopers Lodge No. 41 trustee, Fraternal Order of Police Troopers Lodge No. 41 sergeant-at-arms and Fraternal Order of Police Troopers Lodge No. 41 second vice president.
Member organizations: Fraternal Order of Police Troopers Lodge No. 41, Masonic Hilton Lodge No. 1143, Gold Wing Road Riders Association, Blue Knights International, Ducks Unlimited and Pekin High School Baseball Boosters executive board.
What are the basic duties of the county sheriff?
The basic duties of the sheriff are to protect the residents of Tazewell County, to oversee the day to day operations and security of the jail and courthouse and to act as an officer of the court to serve civil and criminal summons and warrants.
Why do you want to be in this position, and what strengths do you feel you will bring to this office that will benefit Tazewell County?
I want to be the next sheriff of Tazewell County because I feel there are changes that need to be made in this position, and that I can definitely make a difference for the residents of the county. I also have a strong law enforcement background that will help me improve this position, and I have an overwhelming desire to help others. I have been a trusted law enforcement officer in the area for over 30 years (Deputy Sheriff, Narcotics Investigator, Illinois State Police Officer, Shift Commander), as well as a farm hand, factory worker and union official. I am also a self-starter, which has been proven by starting my own business from the ground up.
Are there any problems that need to be addressed in this office? If so, what are they and how do you plan to correct them?
The four main issues that exist in the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office at this time include the need for regular employee evaluations, development of a progressive discipline plan, education and training for the employees of the sheriff’s office, and to reduce overtime. As sheriff, I would update and revise policies and procedures in those areas, keep the employees knowledgeable of these procedures, and make sure they were implemented in a consistent manner. By taking these initial steps, I feel like this will help reduce additional costs that have been incurred by the department and reduce many of the issues that exist in the department today.
Robert Huston:
Address: 105 Camelin Drive, Washington
Age: 59
Occupation: Tazewell County sheriff
Marital status: Married with two children, one grandchild.
Education: Associate degree – Police Science Technology, Illinois Central College, 1971; Bachelor Degree – Social Justice Professions, University of Illinois, Springfield, 1985; Masters Degree – Public Administration, 1991.
Graduate of the FBI National Academy, 2002, coursework accredited by the University of Virginia.
Elected offices held: Tazewell County Sheriff
Member Organizations: National Sheriff’s Association, Illinois Sheriff’s Association (member of the executive board), American Jail Association, FBI National Academy Associates (2007 President, Railsplitters Division), Fraternal Order of Police, Illinois Police Association, Tazewell County Chiefs of Police, Kiwanis Club of Pekin, University of Illinois Alumni Association, Life Member NRA, American Legion Post 318.
What are the basic duties of the county sheriff?
The sheriff is a Constitutional Officer mandated by the Constitution of the State of Illinois. The Sheriff is the chief law enforcement in the County. The Sheriff has broad powers and responsibilities established by state law. First, there is the police/public safety mission. The sheriff is mandated to investigate crimes, apprehend criminals, prevent crime and handle traffic safety and enforcement. Second, the sheriff is the warden of the county jail. Third, the sheriff must attend all courts when in session, and we provide security at the courthouse. Fourth, the sheriff is responsible for service of civil process and orders of the court. Finally, the sheriff has broad power and authority in handling of emergencies or disasters.
Why do you want to be in this position, and what strengths do you feel you will bring to this office that will benefit Tazewell County?
Law enforcement is my chosen profession. I have worked for this position for over 40 years. My career has been an ongoing process of service, work, study, advancement and accomplishment. I have extensive experience in all aspects of law enforcement. I have worked as a patrol officer, investigator, field training officer, field training supervisor, shift commander, Master Firearms Instructor and police academy instructor. I have taught upper division courses at the University of Illinois - Springfield in policing in America and investigative concepts and analysis. For the past 11 plus years, I have served as Tazewell County sheriff.
I have a solid record of accomplishment, problem-solving ability and performance. That record includes passing a public safety tax referendum, building a state-of-the-art justice center on time and under budget, helping to create and lead the Larry Bright serial killer task force, the highly successful “Operation Rattlesnake” methamphetamine task force and the highly successful and award winning Tazewell Teen Driving Initiative. We have more than six years of perfect inspections of our jail operation by both federal and state jail inspectors and we have brought in over $4 million in jail bed rental revenue.
I also bring a solid record of integrity in my own performance and the expectation of the same from my staff. I am very proud of the work of nearly all of my officers. On those occasions when one fails to meet those standards, there has been accountability. Extraordinary performance has been encouraged and rewarded. I have presented four corrections officers with lifesaving awards during my tenure. A Tazewell County corrections officer has received the Corrections Officer of the Year award from the Illinois Sheriff’s Association for outstanding performance. Deputy Sgt. Tim Gillespie received the Illinois Sheriff’s Association Award as Deputy Sheriff of the Year in 2003 and has been inducted into the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Hall of Fame in Washington, D.C. This type of recognition is not given lightly and speaks volumes about the turn around that has occurred at the sheriff’s office since 1998.
Are there any problems that need to be addressed in this office? If so, what are they and how do you plan to correct them?
The Office of Sheriff comes with tremendous responsibilities. It would be accurate to say that we are in the problem business. Among the problems we deal with on an ongoing basis are crime trends, public safety issues, personnel issues and social problems. No problems have gone unaddressed. I have mentioned above a few of the major problem situations that we have faced head on, aggressively and with significant success. In every case, problems have been addressed in an intelligent, legal and professional manner. One of the newer problems we are dealing with is the increase in accidental prescription drug overdose fatalities. We have gotten the warning out with the help and partnership of local media, and we have brought the Generation RX prevention and education program to Tazewell County. I have paid for the program from drug seizure funds taken from drug dealers and the program will be taught in every high school in Tazewell County. The early reviews indicate that the program is much-needed and has been well-received. I have just last week given preliminary approval to continue the program in 2010-2011.
Professionalism is an ongoing process. We cannot stop and rest on past accomplishments. This election is about qualifications, experience, ethical leadership and the proven ability to manage this important office. In order to combat future law enforcement problems, I feel it is paramount to continue utilizing my extensive administrative expertise, my advanced education and my management skills to advance multi-agency programs for a safer Tazewell County.
