After 30 years of service to McLean County, Jon Sandage isn’t seeking reelection. He has about a year and a half left of his second term.
Sandage has been sheriff for over six years. He said he hopes his replacement will be a voice for law enforcement.
“Unfortunately there are a lot of outside forces that try to get you to cave into their ideology. I hope they will stand strong and stand up for their employees and do the right thing,” said Sandage. “Somebody who is going to be a voice for law enforcement.”
Sandage said the surge in social movements did not influence his decision.
McLean County Sheriff is not seeking a third term.
Photo courtesy to McLean County website
“I tell my officers all the time, ‘You have to remember this is a small group of people who don’t appreciate the police, they’re loud but they are very small. we have, overwhelmingly, support for law enforcement in McLean County and we appreciate it,” said Sandage.
Sandage has five grandchildren he said he wants to spend more time with. He said 30 years is a long time to be in police work.
Sandage said helping people in good times and bad has been rewarding.
“In every job there are things that will irritate you,” said Sandage. “The good moments have outweighed the bad.”
COVID-19 Reflection from Jon Sandage
COVID-19 posed some new challenges when it came to the McLean County jail. In April of 2020, groups like BLM Bloomington-Normal called on Sandage to release inmates because of “outbreaks.” Sandage said some precautions were not popular among some. He said the most irritating thing was the misinformation spread by different groups.
This statement was released in a press release by BLM Bloomington-Normal:
“As you know, decarceration has been a focus of BLM Blono as COVID-19 continues to reach every corner of our society. We know that inmates are unsafe and unable to protect themselves from the Coronavirus when it reaches the McLean County Jail,” said BLM Blono.“We have driven calls to county officials like Sheriff Sandage, Chief Judge Mark Fellheimer and State’s Attorney Don Knapp asking that they release all inmates on cash bond and anyone whose health creates a high risk.”
Sandage said the corrections officers did an outstanding job in managing COVID.
“(The different groups) tried to get people to think that we had outbreaks in the jail and we really didn’t,” said Sandage. “The staff I can’t say enough about them. They really took the lead and we learned mistakes from other agencies. When they had cases, how they handled it… it is mainly due to dedication.”
Sandage said he will explore opportunities to be an advocate for law enforcement.
“There’s not that many people who have an inside view of how hard these folks work and how dedicated they are,” said Sandage. “It’s like when somebody talks about one of your kids, you really take offense to it.”
McLean County Deputies
The McLean County deputies are asking the public to contact the McLean County Administrator’s Office along with McLean County Board Members to express support fair pay and benefits.
Sandage said there’s no doubt of the benefit of take-home squad cars for officers and the community.
“The problem is getting the program up and going and the finances it takes to do that. You’re not just talking about just cars, you’re talking about equipment and maintenance issues…Would it save money in the long-run? Absolutely. However, it’s being able to come up with the finances is the real stumbling block.”
