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Senate Committee Advances BPD Chief's Nomination For U.S. Marshal

Michael Hill
/
WGLT
Bloomington Police Chief Brendan Heffner, right, at a recent council meeting.

Bloomington Police Chief Brendan Heffner has cleared his first hurdle toward becoming the next U.S. Marshal for the Central District of Illinois.

The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously advanced Heffner's nomination, U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth said Thursday. Durbin serves on the committee.

“Through many years of service to Illinois, Brendan Heffner has demonstrated strong qualifications to serve as United States Marshal," Durbin and Duckworth said in a statement. "We expect him to serve with professionalism, responsibility, and a clear focus on the mission of the Marshals Service. We look forward to seeing his nomination through the full Senate."

Heffner has served as Bloomington's chief since 2013. He retired from the Illinois State Police as a lieutenant colonel in 2010. He began his career as a Normal Police officer in the mid-1980s.

"Anytime that your country would seek your services, it's a great honor," Heffner told GLT.

The U.S. Marshals are responsible for security at federal courthouses, for those in federal custody, and fugitive task forces, among other duties.

Heffner said he was approached about the job.

"I was not job-hunting in any way, shape or form," Heffner said. "This is an opportunity that does not come around a lot in one's lifetime."

Heffner's nomination must be approved by the full Senate. The timeline for that is unclear.

"I don't worry about it. Because I have a lot to do right now," Heffner said. "We'll have to wait and see."

The U.S. Marshal for the Central District of Illinois job is currently vacant, according to the Marshals Service website. The last person to hold the job was Kenneth Bohac.

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Ryan Denham is the digital content director for WGLT.
WGLT Senior Reporter Charlie Schlenker has spent more than three award-winning decades in radio. He lives in Normal with his family.
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