Sheriff Mahon Announces Resignation Due to Retirement

Effingham County Sheriff David Mahon Wednesday announced he would be retiring and is resigning as sheriff, effective June 1, 2021.

In a letter to the residents of the county, Mahon said, "This decision was not an easy one for me to make; however, recent changes in my personal life have dictated a need to re-evaluate the priorities in my world."

Mahon also wrote, "While my decision to retire is based on my personal life changes, this decision is reaffirmed by the pending anti-law enforcement legislation coming out of Springfield." Mahon shared that the Illinois Sheriff's Association is reporting that 11 sheriffs are retiring early, and 19 are not seeking re-election in 2022, to date.

Since Mahon was elected as a Republican, it will be up to the Effingham County Republican Central Committee to recommend a successor. The County Board will make the final decision on who will be the next sheriff.

Mahon was first elected sheriff in 2014 and was re-elected in 2018. He has been consistent in saying he had not planned to seek a third term.

Here's the full text of Sheriff Mahon's letter of resignation written to Effingham County residents:

April 28, 2021

To the Residents of Effingham County:

Please allow this letter to serve as my official notification that I will be retiring and resigning my Office as Sheriff of Effingham County on June 01, 2021. This decision was not an easy one for me to make; however, recent changes in my personal life have dictated a need to re-evaluate the priorities in my world.

It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve the citizens of Effingham County. I have been blessed to work with the outstanding men and women who comprise the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office. Their professionalism and strong desire to serve their community have made the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office one of the premier law enforcement agencies in the State.

I have enjoyed a great working relationship with the Effingham County Board and all the Offices that comprise Effingham County Government. I have reaped the rewards of having a close working relationship with the Illinois State Police, the Effingham Police Department and City Government. For all of their assistance, I am truly grateful.

While my decision to retire is based on my personal life changes, this decision is reaffirmed by the pending anti-law enforcement legislation coming out of Springfield.

After over thirty-one years in the law enforcement profession, it is time for me to retire. Thank you for all the support you have given me in my tenure as Sheriff. I thank God every day for allowing me to live and work in Effingham County. I have been so blessed.

David J. Mahon

Effingham County Sheriff