Lt. Matt Lane, support services commander of the McLean County Sheriff’s Department, officially announced his bid for McLean County Sheriff after nearly 24 years of service with the department.
The official announcement was held Wednesday evening at a reception at the Bloomington Country Club that attracted more than 50 supporters of Lane’s campaign. Among the crowd were State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, current Sheriff Jon Sandage and Lane’s wife and daughters.
Lane said his experience and vision for the department is what led him to run for the job.
“Matt Lane possesses the courage, leadership, morals and values that people expect of their sheriff,” Sandage said as he introduced Lane. Sandage announced earlier this year that he would not seek a third term in 2022.
Lane said the role will come with incredible challenges, but he's excited for the opportunity to make positive change in McLean County.
“We have an opportunity to show the public that we are an extension of their communities, their county, and most importantly, their values,” Lane said. “We have an opportunity to do our part as an agency that is committed to ethically apply the spirit of law and help ensure that all people are treated with dignity and respect.”
In his speech, Lane thanked Sandage, saying, “I can’t say enough about the friend and the mentor that Sheriff Sandage has been to me throughout all these years. He is a great man and a good guy to learn from, he knows his stuff.”
Lane vowed to implement several changes to the department including increased transparency and mental health services.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about trust. If we don’t have the trust of the communities we serve, we have nothing,” Lane said. “You have my commitment that, as sheriff of McLean County, I will work tirelessly to help keep the citizens of our county safe, and that the sheriff’s department is an organization that will serve with the highest standards of integrity, accountability and trust.”
If elected, Lane would serve a four-year term. He is the only candidate to publicly announce for the office.
