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Longtime McLean County sheriff's lieutenant announces candidacy for top post

Left to right: Lt. Chad Witkowski, Chief Jeff Kretlow, Chief Hadley Welch, Sheriff Jon Sandage, Sheriff Matt Lane, and Lt. Jon Albee at podium.
Albee campaign
Left to right: Lt. Chad Witkowski, Chief Jeff Kretlow, Chief Hadley Welch, former Sheriff Jon Sandage, Sheriff Matt Lane, and Lt. Jon Albee.

McLean County Sheriff's Lt. Jon Albee is running for sheriff.

“While I take great pride in the responsibilities and expectations of being the sheriff, I'd like to think I'm no different than anyone here, but I also know this position comes with high expectations and to do the right thing — even when no one is watching,” said Albee in announcing his candidacy.

Albee said he wants to invest in people.

"Training, development, and retention by way of prioritizing professional growth for all MCSO personnel, strengthening employee retention and recruiting strategies to keep MCSO a safe supportive and rewarding place to work, and partnering with the McLean County Board and the McLean County community on mental health strategies," Albee said at Thursday's announcement.

He said investing in up-to-date technology to improve accuracy efficiency and transparency also will be a focus.

"Explore new specialized roles like intelligence analyst to better understand evolving crime trends, especially cyber crimes," said Albee.

Albee has spent 15 years with the sheriff's department and has served as a lieutenant in multiple divisions. He said his candidacy is about continuing good work in the department and remaining "agile and forward thinking in an ever-changing field."

“If elected, I will lead with transparency, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to fairness and safety for all,” said Albee.

Retiring sheriff Matt Lane and former sheriff Jon Sandage both support Albee. Lane said Albee is "genuinely ready" for the job.

“He knows that our duty is to protect people, to build trust, and to make decisions that reflect not just the law but the values of the people that we serve every day. This job is not about power or prestige. It’s about accountability, humility, and service. I have confidence Jon embodies all three,” said Lane.

Albee is running on the Republican ticket.

No other candidates have announced plans to run.

WGLT Senior Reporter Charlie Schlenker has spent more than three award-winning decades in radio. He lives in Normal with his family.