Illinois’s Calhoun County. Zach Hardin has declared his intention to run for Calhoun County sheriff in the 2026 election.
Hardin says his affection for Calhoun County began when he spent summers with his grandparents at their farm in Cappelville (Point Precinct) as a boy. Hardin lives in Brussels with his two daughters, Sophia and Amelia. He attended Alton High School and graduated in 2007; he was born in Alton. He studied history and criminal justice at Lewis & Clark Community College.
Hardin began working for the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office in 2019 as a deputy sheriff. In December 2022, he was elevated to sergeant and became the patrol supervisor. He received a promotion to Chief Deputy Sheriff in March 2024.
Hardin is presently a juvenile officer, lead homicide investigator, high-risk traffic stop instructor, and member of the Illinois Crisis Intervention Team while working for the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office.
Hardin stated in a press release that he has been committed to preventing crime and has taken a highly active approach to stop unlawful activity in Calhoun County. He feels that this tenacity has been made clear, making criminals reconsider their decision to visit Calhoun County.
Among the many significant investigations Hardin has been involved in include those involving sexual assault, child exploitation, the sale of drugs and methamphetamine, burglary, fraud, auto theft, and prostitution.
In addition to administrative responsibilities, Hardin stated that it is crucial for the chief deputy of a smaller agency to set an example and lead from the front. He continues to police the roads, but he also trains employees and offers advice and insight when needed.
Hardin worked in management for more than eight years for several large private security companies in a variety of supervisory or administrative positions, such as operations/personnel manager, training director, and human resources manager, before entering the law enforcement field. During this time, he acquired experience in managing personnel, budgets, and liability. Additionally, he has expanded his expertise as a private investigator.
According to Hardin, he has always made an effort to treat everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their situation, while serving Calhoun County. He said he aspires to be the person my family would want to answer the phone if they ever needed an officer.
According to Hardin, he has always been committed to helping the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office staff and the community they serve develop a culture of collaboration, openness, and trust. Providing proactive, efficient, and professional but empathetic service is essential to this mission.
According to Hardin, he is fully aware of his obligation to defend and enforce the US Constitution and the rights it guarantees.
“This office will always be a sheriff’s office by the people, for the people,” Hardin stated if elected sheriff.
