MCLEAN COUNTY – (WMBD) — Less than two weeks after McLean County Sheriff Matt Lane announced his retirement, a man familiar with the department tossed his hat in the ring for the position.
Jon Albee, who has served in a variety of different roles with the sheriff’s office, officially announced Tuesday his candidacy as a Republican, a release from his campaign said.
“I’m honored to pursue the opportunity to serve as the next Sheriff of McLean County,” he said. “If elected, I will lead with transparency, professionalism, and an unwavering
commitment to fairness and safety for all.”
Albee’s experience with the department includes dog handler, patrol sergeant and lieutenant in multiple divisions.
He said he plans to run on the idea that he is not a politician, but instead a “career law enforcement professional who cares deeply about keeping people safe and supporting those who protect our community.”
The release said the following are going into his “three-pillar” vision:
- Invest in people – Enhance training, recruitment, and employee wellness to support
those who serve. - Invest in technology – Modernize tools and systems to boost transparency, efficiency,
and investigative effectiveness. - Enhance community safety – Expand proactive patrols and initiatives, with a strong
emphasis on internet crimes against children and school safety.
The release said he hopes to continue to build on the work of Lane and the sheriffs before.
“This is about continuing the good work already being done while remaining agile and forward-thinking in an ever-changing field,” he said.
The announcement comes after Lane announced earlier this month he will not be seeking reelection after the conclusion of this term.
“After much thought, I have made the difficult decision to retire at the end of this term,” Lane said on July 14. “The incredible people I’ve had the privilege to work with and serve throughout my career have been my motivation each day — and will continue to be until my last day in office.”
Lane, who has only been sheriff for the last two and a half years, served for the sheriff’s office for 28 years prior to his promotion.
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