DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) -- A 19-year veteran of the Danville Police Department is hoping to take the next step in his law enforcement career by becoming Vermilion County Sheriff.

Retired Commander John W. Thompson, who currently serves as the Director of the Vermilion County 911 Center, announced on Monday his candidacy for Vermilion County Sheriff. He is running as a Republican.

"It is a position I have long considered, and now is the time I want to offer my experience and services," Thompson said in a news release. "My strength has been finding and programming new and better ways to police our community to provide aggressive and fair law enforcement with integrity and effectiveness. I ask for your vote in the Republican Primary on March 17, 2026."

Thompson is a lifelong resident of Verm

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