Zach Hardin Named New Sheriff of Calhoun County

HARDIN - On January 23, 2026, Zach Hardin was officially appointed Sheriff of Calhoun County, Illinois, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Sheriff William “Bill” Heffington.

The appointment was made during a Special Meeting of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners held at the Calhoun County Government Building in Hardin, Illinois. A quorum of the Board was present and unanimously approved the motion to appoint Hardin to the Office of Sheriff of Calhoun County. The quorum consisted of Chairman Phill Robeen, Terry Woelfel, Deanne Koster Fester, and Hayden Sievers.

Following the Board’s action, Sheriff Hardin took the Oath of Office before the Honorable Judge Charles H. W. Burch.

Addressing Sheriff Hardin during the ceremony, Judge Burch stated, “Having worked with you for the last few years and observed the manner in which you have carried yourself as a Deputy and law enforcement officer, I have confidence that you will do a wonderful job as our Sheriff.”

After the oath was administered, Sheriff Hardin’s daughters formally pinned his new badge.

Sheriff Hardin accepted the appointment surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Pike County Sheriff’s Department, Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Grafton Police Department, and the Illinois Conservation Police.

Sheriff Hardin previously served as Chief Deputy Sheriff under retired Sheriff Heffington and has been a member of the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office since 2019. During his tenure, he has served in multiple roles, including Deputy Sheriff and Patrol Sergeant. His extensive knowledge of departmental operations positions him to oversee a smooth and effective transition of services.

Sheriff Hardin brings significant experience in law enforcement investigations, training, and administration. He currently serves as a Lead Homicide Investigator and is a member of the Illinois Crisis Intervention Team, where he has been recognized for compassionate and life-saving actions.

Following his appointment, Sheriff Hardin offered the following statement to the citizens of Calhoun County:

“I am proud and honored to hold the great responsibility of the Office of Sheriff of Calhoun County, Illinois. There is no other place like Calhoun, and I promise to remain steadfast in my dedication to protecting Calhoun and its citizens, who are also my neighbors.

Sheriff Heffington left big shoes to fill, but he showed me the path I need to follow. Like Sheriff Bill, I love Calhoun and will always work to keep Calhoun feeling the way it always has. Like home.”

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