By Steven Spencer
The Calhoun County Commissioners held a special meeting Friday, Jan. 23, to appoint Zach Hardin as Calhoun County Sheriff.
Commissioner Terry Woelfel made a motion to appoint Hardin, seconded by Commissioner Hayden Sievers and passed unanimously, with Commissioner Patrick Simon absent.
After Judge Charles H.W. Burch administered the oath of office, Hardin’s two daughters pinned on his badge, officially filling in the vacancy left with the retirement of Bill Heffington.
Judge Burch commended Sheriff Hardin’s work and expressed his confidence in his ability to do an excellent job as Calhoun County Sheriff.
The county commissioners expressed their support for Sheriff Hardin as well as a number of law enforcement from the surrounding communities. Officers from Pike County Sheriff’s Department, Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Grafton Police Department and the Illinois Conservation Police were all in attendance.
Pike County Chief Deputy and Sheriff candidate Zack Orr recognized Sheriff Hardin for his experience, leadership and the comment that he brings to Calhoun.
“I can attest that Calhoun County is lucky to have him,” Orr said in a post on his campaign’s social media page.
Hardin joined the department in 2019, was promoted to Sergeant in 2022, named Chief Deputy in 2024 and in August of 2025 announced his candidacy for Sheriff in the upcoming election.
“I am proud and honored to hold the great responsibility of the Office of Sheriff of Calhoun County, Illinois. There is no other place like Calhoun, and I promise to remain steadfast in my dedication to protecting Calhoun and its citizens, who are also my neighbors,” Sheriff Hardin said. “Sheriff Heffington left big shoes to fill, but he showed me the path I need to follow. Like Sheriff Bill, I love Calhoun and will always work to keep Calhoun feeling the way it always has. Like home.”
