Iroquois County Sheriff’s Department

05/06/2026

Our dispatch center, ICOM, is hiring one dispatcher. Apply through the link below.

https://www.indeed.com/job/911-telecommunicator-0935f9592f568153?fbclid=IwdGRjcARoj5RleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEehMiAANsqngoES3I95e_aO7NI0Hzyv5E2iZ3lAhLM3xDguMohGEUdZaWNfus_aem_AHWOd8EFCIvbgGMG6v7lTQ

Iroquois County 9-1-1

05/04/2026

National Correctional Officers Week 2026 is observed from May 3–9, 2026, celebrating the professionalism, strength, and dedication of correctional staff. This honor was established on on May 5, 1984 by President Reagan This week honors the over 468,000 officers who maintain safety, security, and rehabilitation in correctional facilities.

This week, we honor our Iroquois County Correctional Officers who often face dangerous environments to keep communities and those in the custody of our jail custody safe and healthy. We recognize the vital role that the Corrections Division of the Sheriff’s Department plays in the criminal justice system and their contribution to rehabilitation of individuals and public safety.

Correctional Officers fulfill a vital, often thankless role in the justice system that keeps our communities a safer place to live.

Thank you to our County Correctional Officers for your dedicated service to Iroquois County.

05/03/2026

04/30/2026

The Sheriff’s Office has received several reports of this “notice” being sent to Iroquois County residents. This is a SCAM!!! If you are unsure about any notice you receive that feels “urgent, threatening that a warrant for your arrest will be issued if you don’t send money or asks you to scan a QR code, please contact the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Office at 8154324918. DO NOT SCAN THE QR CODE OR ENGAGE THE SCAMMER. DO NOT PURCHASE APPLE OR SIMILAR CARDS IF REQUESTED.

04/24/2026

Happy Friday Benton County residents! Its been a tough and very busy week here at the Sheriffs Office. Earlier this week I put spring planting safety information out reference large farm equipment on the roads. Basically, slow down, move over as best you can and give them room to work. Trust me, they want to get out of your way as soon as they safely can.

This week we have had 4 serious motor vehicle crashes at 4 different locations across the county. Its been hard on all the first responders as 2 of the individuals involved had to be transported by helicopter. 1 main factor that seemed to be involved was driver inattention. Basically the driver looked but did not see an oncoming vehicle. Please - Please - Please........
* Look both ways at intersections - twice.
* Be sure you pause long enough to make sure there is no oncoming vehicle hidden behind the A pillar of your vehicle.
* Drivers with the right of way - drive defensively - pay attention to cars merging or crossing in front of you as they may not see you.

We are all in this together. There are lots of distractions around us as we drive including cell phones. Pay attention. Stay off the phone. Drive defensively and arrive at your destination safely.

I know your Benton County Public Safety Agencies would sure appreciate it!

Sheriff Cox

04/24/2026

JOIN THE ISA TODAY! https://donate.ilsheriff.org/JOIN-the-ISA
Did you know? ...that if you become a Citizen Member of the Illinois Sheriffs' Association you will receive updates from the ISA, information from around Illinois, initiatives the ISA is fighting for your rights within the Illinois General Assembly, and so much more! We send out a printed Newsletter Quarterly, and an E-Newsletter Monthly with timely information just for you. Check out our April E-Newsletter that just went out to our Membership.https://www.ilsheriff.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026_04-APR-Illinois-Sheriffs-Assoc.-E-News.pdf

04/22/2026

The Iroquois County Sheriff's Golf Outing Scholarship applications are due by May 1, 2026. The applications can be downloaded from the county website under the Sheriff tab. https://iroquoiscountyil.gov/offices/sheriff

Four $1,000 scholarships will be given to four Iroquois County residents who meet the criteria and are selected.

04/20/2026

Prom night should be unforgettable for the right reasons—your guidance can make all the difference. Set clear expectations, know the plan, and talk honestly with your teen about safety before they head out. A quick conversation today can help ensure they come home safe tomorrow.

04/16/2026

News Release

The Iroquois County Sheriff's Office has arrested and charged 22-year-old Jason L. Ruiz of Watseka, IL with first-degree murder and aggravated battery in connection with the death of his one-month-old son.

On April 10, 2026, Watseka Fire and EMS were dispatched to 1631 N Blue Bell Bend Rd in rural Watseka in reference to a 3-week-old baby not breathing. The infant was
transported from the scene to Iroquois Memorial Hospital and later to Lurie Children's Hospital in
Chicago, Il.

The infant was pronounced deceased on 4/13/26. Jason Ruiz was taken into custody in Chicago, IL. on 4/16/26, with the assistance of the U.S.Marshals Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force.

The investigation remains active. Out of respect for the ongoing legal proceedings and the victim's
family, no additional information will be released at this time

04/14/2026

Happy National Public Safety Telecommunicators week!
April 12-18, 2026 💙💛🖤💙

We recognize and thank the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly as our 911 dispatchers. We appreciate their crucial role in providing emergency services to the public and the support they provide all of the Iroquois County police, fire, and EMS agencies. We thank you for all you do and for being the calm voice on the other end of the line or radio.