Sheriff Heffington and Chief Deputy Hardin recognized by Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board

By Steven Spencer

The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board and the Illinois Crisis Intervention Team recognized Sheriff Bill Heffington and Chief Deputy Zach Hardin of the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office as heroes for their actions on a crisis invention call from earlier this summer.
The two responded to an incident in May in which a subject was threatening another person with an axe. The situation escalated with the subject stating a desire to commit “suicide by cop” and later jumping into the river.
Jennifer Wooldridge, State Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Coordinator and Deputy Director of Operations for the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, said their focus on de-escalation and critical decision making demonstrates the “life-saving impact” crisis intervention training can have.
“Despite being the only two law enforcement officers on scene, and with only volunteer EMS personnel as assistance, they remained calm. Chief Deputy Hardin made the critical decision not to draw his weapon or taser, focusing instead on de-escalation. The Illinois Conservation Police were subsequently requested to assist in this rapidly evolving crisis,” the release from the CIT and Training and Standards Board states. “Both Sheriff Heffington and Chief Deputy Hardin, as highly trained members of the Illinois Crisis Intervention Team, engaged the individual in extended, proficient negotiations, lasting over 30 minutes. Drawing on their CIT skills and personal experiences, they shared some of their own life experiences to build trust. They ultimately persuaded the individual to come ashore and, despite their refusal to enter an ambulance due to past psychiatric facility history, convinced the individual to enter their car for safe containment and transport. This compassionate and professional intervention prevented serious harm to the individual, the officers, and the public, leading to a safe apprehension.”
Chief Deputy Hardin said these are some of the worst calls officers can be sent to but was proud of the department’s efforts.
“This type of call is one of the worst types of calls any law enforcement officer can be sent to,” Chief Deputy Hardin said. “I am proud of the efforts made by our department in helping to save a life and am grateful we were successful in locating and safely taking this subject into custody without incident, to ensure they receive the immediate care and assistance needed.”
Directors from the training and standards board said the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office demonstrated the profound importance crisis intervention training can have on a community.
“This incident profoundly illustrates the core tenets of CIT: ensuring the safety of all involved through de-escalation, thinking creatively under immense pressure, and connecting individuals in crisis with appropriate care,” Wooldridge said. ”The exceptional professionalism, empathy, and unwavering commitment demonstrated by Sheriff Heffington and Chief Deputy Hardin truly exemplify the spirit and invaluable impact of this training in the most challenging circumstances.”
“ILETSB remains committed to expanding CIT training to ensure our law enforcement professionals have the tools and knowledge required to handle complex situations with the utmost professionalism and empathy,” Keith Calloway, Executive Director at the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, said. “Stories like these from Calhoun County are a powerful testament to the transformative nature of this training and the profound importance it has on saving lives and building trust within our communities.”
Authorities also reminded the public that all individuals are innocent until proven guilty.
Individuals experiencing mental health crisis can contact the Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text “HOME” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
A list of contact information for crisis help in the area can be found on the Jersey County Health Department’s resource page on their website at www.jerseycountyhealth.org/resources.