CALHOUN COUNTY — After 19 years of service, Sheriff William “Bill” Heffington announced his retirement from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, effective immediately on Dec. 31, 2025.
The announcement was made by the Sheriff’s Office at their Calhoun County headquarters in Hardin, Ill.
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Sheriff Heffington, 67, said his decision to retire was influenced by physical challenges, including issues with his hips and knees, which have made it difficult for him to perform the demanding duties of his position.
“It was time to go,” Heffington said. “I am 67 years old, and I want to spend time with my grandkids and family. I sacrificed so much — not being able to go to games, fishing, hunting, like I’d like to do.”
Throughout his tenure, Heffington said he took pride in helping people and making a positive impact on the community.
“I enjoyed it a bunch, helping people, touched so many lives in the county,” he said. Heffington described himself as “old school,” valuing hard work and accountability.
“I always liked to work with people, being transparent with people and the media,” he said.
Heffington also expressed frustration with recent changes in criminal justice policies, including the SAFE-T Act (Safety, Accountability, and Fairness Act passed in 2021), which he believes has limited law enforcement’s ability to effectively do their jobs.
“The SAFE-T Act has affected everything for law enforcement," he said. "You just can’t be turning people loose when they commit crimes. Things have changed across the state a lot in the last three years since the SAFE-T Act passed.”
He also thanked the citizens of Calhoun County for their constant support over the past nearly two decades. He also extended big thanks to his wife, his children, and his grandchildren for their sacrifice of ballgames, birthdays, and holidays when he had to be available for law enforcement tasks.
Sheriff Zack Hardin is expected to be appointed Heffington’s successor in the near future, Heffington said.
In his closing remarks, Heffington said, “I worked so much, and I decided it was time to enjoy life.”
The sheriff commended the skill and dedication of all those who remained in the sheriff's office, including Zack Hardin and all the others who were on his staff.
The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office extended its gratitude for his leadership and dedication, noting, “Sheriff Heffington, you have led this county through challenging times, and you did it with grace, wisdom, and a smile. Congratulations on your retirement. Thank you for your unwavering service and legacy of leadership.”
