Calhoun County Sheriff's Office

Calhoun County Sheriff's Office Official page of the Calhoun County, IL Sheriff's Department.

08/28/2026

Our Calhoun Warriors football team will be playing their first home game tonight against Beardstown.

For those traveling to Calhoun, we ask you to please plan accordingly and take alternative routes if possible, such as the Kampsville Ferry.

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office will be directing traffic at the end of the game; at the bridge and near the school.

We will also be shutting the east end of the bridge down briefly to hopefully allow everyone to exit quickly and safely!

Let’s go Warriors!

- Sheriff Zach Hardin

Public Notice: The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office is adding two (2) new full-time positions to the roster and we are no...
08/28/2026

Public Notice:

The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office is adding two (2) new full-time positions to the roster and we are now accepting applications for the full-time positions of Deputy Sheriff and Bailiff / Court Security.

Applications can be picked up in person at the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office or on our website at: www.calhouncountyil.gov

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NOW HIRING – DEPUTY SHERIFF

Position Title: Deputy Sheriff
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay Wage: $31.00 / HR.
Hours: Must have open availability and willingness to work nights and weekends.
Location: Calhoun County, Illinois

Description: The Calhoun County Sheriff's Department is accepting applications for the position of Full-Time Deputy Sheriff. We are seeking highly motivated, ethical, and service-oriented individuals who are committed to protecting the citizens of Calhoun County through professional law enforcement and community service.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties: The Deputy Sheriff’s primary function is to protect life and property in Calhoun County, patrolling assigned area to maintain order, enforce laws and provide assistance to citizens as needed; responds to reports of misdemeanors or felonies and performs preliminary observations and investigations; takes offense reports, gather evidence; shall secure scene of crimes and accidents; maintains traffic; takes traffic accident reports on private and public property.

Desirable Abilities and Knowledge: Excellent verbal communication skills; ability to work nights and weekends. Certified Illinois Law Enforcement Officers who possess a valid certification from the Illinois Basic Law Enforcement Course. Qualities: Compassion, confidentiality, dependability, integrity, professionalism, and a strong work ethic are a necessity.

Functions Include:

• Patrol Operations: Patrol assigned areas of Calhoun County. Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service and public complaints. Enforce the Illinois Vehicle Code by monitoring traffic, investigating traffic accidents, rendering aid and the issuance of citations. Enforce federal, state, and local laws. Work cooperatively with local, state, and federal agencies. Maintain positive relationships with the community through compassionate and professional public service.

• Investigations and Enforcement: Investigate felony and misdemeanor crimes, suspicious conditions and safety hazards. Interview victims, witnesses, and suspects. Gather and process physical evidence at crime scenes. Catalog and maintain evidence. Prepare detailed reports, draft search warrants, affidavits, and testify in court. Execute warrants and affect arrests.

• Court and Civil Responsibilities: Serve court documents, such as subpoenas, warrants, and summonses. Act as bailiff or court security. Enforce court orders. Transport prisoners between county jails, court, and medical facilities. And perform courthouse duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
1. U.S. Citizen and resident of the State of Illinois.
2. Must be 21 years of age.
3. Must possess a Valid Driver’s License and FOID card.
4. High School Diploma or GED Certificate
5. Not have any felony or certain misdemeanor convictions from any jurisdiction
6. Must be able to maintain department qualification standards in the use of fi****ms.
7. Must be a resident of Calhoun County, IL or reside within thirty (30) miles; within your first year of employment.
8. Meet all standards established by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB).
9. Pass the Illinois P.O.W.E.R. Test for physical fitness.
10. Complete or provide proof of completion of the Illinois Basic Law Enforcement Training Course.
11. Successfully complete a background investigation, medical examination, psychological evaluation, drug screening, and any additional testing required by the Sheriff's Office.
12. Must possess and exercise sound judgement in reacting to emergency situations and using physical force necessary to defend oneself and others.

Benefits

• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (SLEP).
• Tenured longevity pay, paid vacation, twelve (12) paid holidays, and sick leave.
• Take Home squad car.
• Uniforms and duty equipment provided.
• Paid training and professional development opportunities.

Application Process:
All applicants are to submit a completed application with attached forms along with a cover letter and resume to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office; 301 S. County Rd., Hardin, IL 62047, or by e-mail to Sheriff Zach Hardin : [email protected].

Applicants are to complete an application, are subject to drug screening, physical fitness evaluation; and must be able to provide a fit for duty waiver from a physician, pass a background investigation, and undergo interview and review by The Sheriff.

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NOW HIRING – COURT SECURITY

Position Title: Court Security Officer - Bailiff
Job Type: Full time/Part-Time, Armed - Non-Union Position
Pay Wage: $20.00/hr.
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Calhoun County Courthouse – Hardin, IL 62047

Description: Full time or Part-time Court Security Officer / Bailiff; available at least two days a week with the potential of five days. Position will be filled with either one (1) full time or two (2) part-time employees. Court Security Personnel will be appointed to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and report to The Sheriff.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties: Under the direction of the Sheriff and the Judges of the Eighth Judicial Circuit, Court Security Officers (CSO’s) are responsible for ensuring that all spaces within the Calhoun County Courthouse (Including courtrooms, public areas, and private offices) Court parking lots as well as grounds surrounding the Calhoun County Courthouse are secure.

CSO’s are to attend all Court proceedings for the courtroom they are assigned and obey all lawful orders and directions of the judges presiding therein while maintaining security and decorum of the courtroom and Courthouse. CSO’s are subject to policies and procedures of the Sheriff’s Department.

Desirable Abilities and Knowledge: Excellent verbal communication skills; ability to work late evenings on occasion; knowledge of the Illinois court system is helpful but not required. Qualities: Confidentiality, dependability, integrity, professionalism, and a strong work ethic are a necessity.

Waivers: Individuals who already possess a valid certification from the Basic Law Enforcement Course or Basic Correctional Course in Illinois can often receive a waiver for the Court Security Basic Training Academy.

Functions Include:
• Interacting with all Court employees, public officials and the public in a positive, courteous and professional manner at all times and provide informational assistance upon request.
• Assisting with maintaining the custody and control of all jail inmates assigned to the courtroom when needed.
• Responsible for taking individuals into custody when directed to do so by the Judge.
• Responsible for the collection and distribution of Court documents completed by Court personnel.
• Responsible for responding to emergency situations in the Courthouse, parking lots or Courthouse grounds when so notified by a judge, a member of the Court personnel, a member of the public or notification of a sounding duress alarm.
• Conducting a daily pre-Court search of the courtroom for weapons and contraband.
• Assisting with entry screening and other security duties as directed by the Sheriff.
• Assisting with announcing the opening of court and call the court to order on all matters under its direction when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Sheriff and Judge.

Minimum Qualifications:
1. Must be a State Certified Police Officer or Correctional Officer or Court Security Officer as prescribed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. (50 ILCS 7051-12) and/or retired or currently not working full-time with respective agency.
2. U.S. Citizen and resident of the State of Illinois.
3. Must be 21 years of age (No age cap.)
4. Must possess a Valid Driver’s License and FOID card.
5. High School Diploma or GED Certificate
6. Not have any felony or certain misdemeanor convictions from any jurisdiction
7. Must be able to maintain department qualification standards in the use of fi****ms.
8. Must be able to read and interpret reports, posters, police and procedure manuals, releases, court orders, and ID Cards.
9. Must possess and exercise sound judgement in reacting to emergency situations and using physical force necessary to defend oneself and others.

Application Process:
All applicants are to submit a completed application with attached forms along with a cover letter and resume to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office; 301 S. County Rd., Hardin, IL 62047, or by e-mail to Sheriff Zach Hardin : [email protected].

Applicants are to complete an application, are subject to drug screening, physical fitness evaluation; and must be able to provide a fit for duty waiver from a physician, pass a background investigation, and undergo interview and review by The Sheriff and Judge.

The Calhoun County Sheriff's Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to selecting qualified applicants based on merit, integrity, and dedication to public service.

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PUBLIC NOTICE : BRIDGE TRAFFIC UPDATEAs we move through our second week of school, and we wanted to thank everyone for b...
08/26/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE : BRIDGE TRAFFIC UPDATE

As we move through our second week of school, and we wanted to thank everyone for bearing with us; we had a safe first week with zero accidents!

As stated in earlier updates; sensors were added and times were extended to account for school traffic. This seemed to help things go a lot smoother.

Alongside our local IDOT team; have tested time changes and wait times. We have listened to you, the citizens, in an effort to improve on the situation; and you will see the following changes:

On the Calhoun side, northbound and southbound traffic lights have had their time extended to help clear out backed up traffic. We would like to thank our local crew for their focus on improving things for our citizens and visitors.

Sheriff Zach Hardin and all the Deputies have been doing their best to direct traffic to assist during barge lifts; unfortunately we can’t always be there, and ask for your patience in the times we are otherwise tied up.

On all of our upcoming home Football games, after the games get out, CCSO will be out directing traffic out of the game, and also at the bridge. We will be shutting down the east side of the bridge during the mass exodus. For those traveling to Calhoun for games, we recommend using the Kampsville Ferry or other alternate routes.

We will also continue to direct traffic when we are able, but we ask all citizens to please do the following:

• Only pass vehicles when you can visually observe an Officer directing you.
• Carefully watch the hand signals!
• Please drive slow and pass with care.
• Please use your turn signal so we know whether you are turning on the bridge or wanting to pass.

With harvest season right around the corner, let’s all work together to make it a safe one.

We also recommend motorists to download a Marine Traffic monitoring app to watch barge traffic to plan alternate routes or adjust travel times.

Sheriff Hardin would like to thank everyone for their patience, cooperation, and continued support through this process.

PRESS RELEASEOn June 16th 2026, at approximately 8:06 PM, a Deputy Sheriff with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office cond...
08/19/2026

PRESS RELEASE

On June 16th 2026, at approximately 8:06 PM, a Deputy Sheriff with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on South Park St., Hardin, Calhoun County, Illinois.

Subsequent to the stop, the driver, Shannon D. Tarvin, aged 49, of Alton, Illinois, was charged for the following offense:

• Driving While Revoked - Felony

On the date of the incident, Tarvin was arrested without incident and transported to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, where he was processed and released with a Notice to Appear at the Calhoun County Courthouse.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.

PRESS RELEASEOn June 5th 2026, at approximately 2:00 PM, Law Enforcement Officials with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Off...
08/19/2026

PRESS RELEASE

On June 5th 2026, at approximately 2:00 PM, Law Enforcement Officials with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on South Park St., Hardin, Calhoun County, Illinois.

Subsequent to the traffic stop, it was discovered that the driver, Kevin E. Breunig, aged 40, of Harvest, Alabama had an active full-extradition Parole Warrant of Arrest from the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

Additionally, and subsequent to a search of the vehicle, Breunig was charged for the following offenses:

• Felon in Possession of Dangerous Weapon (Two Counts)
• Unlawful Possession of Weapon (Two Counts)
• Driving While Revoked.

Breunig was arrested without incident and transported to the Greene County Jail to await extradition.

On June 9th 2026, the Arkansas Department of Corrections extradited Breunig back to Arkansas.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.

Is this Mayberry, or Calhoun County?We are happy to introduce the new design for the markings on our squad cars. The des...
08/19/2026

Is this Mayberry, or Calhoun County?

We are happy to introduce the new design for the markings on our squad cars.

The design was actually inspired by the Sheriff Andy Griffith’s squad car! We felt these traditional style markings were fitting for our community’s values and the personal feel of our office.

These vehicles are traditionally called “black and whites” and feature white doors for high visibility. Markings include our badge on the front doors with the words “Sheriff Patrol” above it.

On the rear quarter-panel is the phrase: “To Serve The People.” This motto is a bold reminder that the duty of our office is to You, The People.

The other reasons for the change are ones you might not expect..

We have recently been able to acquire several used and already outfitted squad cars at very reasonable prices; allowing us to save the County and the tax payers thousands of dollars. However, these vehicles were all painted black and were unmarked. In recent years, all of our marked squad cars have been white.

Sheriff Zach Hardin is a strong proponent for the Deputies to patrol in highly-visible, marked squad cars for crime deterrence and increased agency visibility.

With the price of full wrap decals increasing; we partnered with our local businesses for a fiscally responsible, cost saving, but visually appealing route to mark our “newer” black unmarked squad cars.

These decals are universal, making future up-fitting replacement vehicles much cheaper; as we can avoid full custom sized vehicle-specific vinyl wraps for markings.

We would like to thank One Fine Sign for her excellent work on the decals!

We would also like to thank K&W Collision for the stripping and Herter Auto Body for the fantastic work on the body work and door painting!

We hope everyone likes them!

Address

Hardin, IL

Telephone

+16185762417

Website

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