Tazewell County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff
Jeffrey Lower
Welcome to the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office Website. The Sheriff is the Chief Law Officer of the County and the sole Law Enforcement Official elected by the people. Many believe that the Office of the Sheriff is the main keeper of accountability between Law Enforcement and the Public. In the spirit of accountability and responsiveness, we are pleased to provide this publicly accessible site on the World Wide Web. We want you to take a look at who we are and our role in Serving and Protect.
**Fatal Traffic Crash in Rural Manito, IL**
Tazewell County, IL - On February 24, 2026, at approximately 9:35 PM, deputies were dispatched to investigate a reported traffic crash in the area of Bluff Road in rural Manito, IL. Upon arrival, deputies found a single vehicle that was fully engulfed in flames along Bluff Road, approximately 1/10 of a mile south of Sky Ranch Road. The Foreman Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire.
Investigators have determined that the vehicle was occupied by a deceased, unidentified individual. Due to the extent of the fire, the occupant's identity has not yet been confirmed.
The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office and the Tazewell County Coroner's Office are conducting an ongoing investigation into the traffic crash. ... See MoreSee Less
This past weekend, the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office ARTIC Unit proudly took the plunge in support of Special Olympics, and we are incredibly grateful for the community’s generous support. Thanks to that encouragement and participation, we surpassed our fundraising goal and raised $1,550 for the athletes! This achievement reflects the strength of our community and its commitment to inclusion and opportunity. We also want to extend our sincere thanks to our team members for their dedication, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to the athletes we serve. ... See MoreSee Less
📣 Attention Tazewell County High School Seniors! 🎓
Are you planning to attend college next year? Don’t miss your chance to apply for the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship! 💼📘
The ISA scholarship is open to graduating seniors who demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and academic achievement. Scholarships help support your college journey — but you have to apply! No printer? No problem!
Stop by the Sheriff's Office and grab a printed application today!
🔗 Learn more & apply here:
www.ilsheriff.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-2027-ISA-College-Scholarship-Application.pdf
📅 Deadline: Friday, March 13th — Applications & Essays must be turned in or Post-Marked by this date!
Have questions? Reach out — we’re here to help! 💙🚓
#TazewellCounty #SheriffsOffice #ISA #Scholarship #Classof2026 ... See MoreSee Less
www.ilsheriff.org
www.ilsheriff.org
Make the play of the day: Designate a sober driver. 🏈 Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. ... See MoreSee Less
Today marks one year since the passing of Jail Superintendent Stacey Kempf.
Stacey was a dedicated leader, a trusted colleague, and a friend to many within the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office. She served with pride, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to the work — always showing up, always giving her best, and always putting others before herself.
Stacey was known not only for her strong work ethic and leadership, but also for the genuine compassion she showed every day. She had a way of making people feel supported, respected, and understood. Her sense of humor, warm personality, and ability to bring laughter into even the toughest days is something so many of us will never forget.
Her impact on this office and our community will continue to be felt for years to come.
Stacey will always be remembered and deeply missed.
🕊️ Forever in our hearts. Forever remembered.🖤🖤🩶🖤 ... See MoreSee Less
support.soill.org/TCSOArcticUnit
Please consider supporting the TCSO Arctic Unit as they raise funds for the LETR Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Illinois! ❄️
On February 21 at Kelleher’s in Peoria, the team will take the plunge for a great cause, Special Olympics athletes across the state. Every donation—big or small—helps make a difference. Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated as they brave the cold for a cause that matters. ... See MoreSee Less
Check out TCSO Arctic Unit's team fundraising page for Special Olympics Illinois
support.soill.org
“TCSO Arctic Unit Dives In: Braving the Cold to Fundraise for Special Olympics Illinois 2026”🚨 ARREST ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨
On January 19, 2026, Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested a former employee of Spring Lake Elementary School in connection with an alleged theft exceeding $150,000.
The suspect, a 54-year-old Manito resident, was charged with Class X Felony Theft following an investigation into alleged misuse of school financial accounts.
The arrest was made without incident, and the individual was booked into the Tazewell County Jail.
The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting public institutions and ensuring accountability.
➡️ This case remains pending. All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
See full press release here:
sheriff.tazewell-il.gov/former-spring-lake-elementary-school-employee-arrested-on-felony-theft-ch... ... See MoreSee Less
Today, on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognizes and thanks the men and women of law enforcement who serve our community with dedication, professionalism, and integrity.
Every day, our deputies and law enforcement partners work to protect lives, uphold the law, and strengthen the safety of Tazewell County. This service often comes with personal sacrifice, as well as the support of families who stand behind them.
We are grateful for the trust of our community and for the commitment of those who choose to serve it.
Thank you for your service—today and every day.
#LawEnforcementAppreciationDay
#TazewellCounty
#ThankYouLawEnforcement
#CommunitySafety #PublicSafety ... See MoreSee Less
🎉 Congratulations to Our Newest Deputy! 🎉
Please join us in congratulating Deputy Tyler Clark on his successful graduation from the Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center (MCLETC).
Deputy Clark began his career with the Sheriff’s Office as a Correctional Officer in December 2018. We are proud to see him reach this important milestone and take the next step in his law enforcement career.
Congratulations, Deputy Clark, and thank you for your continued service to our community.
#TazewellCounty #TazewellCountySheriff #IllinoisLawEnforcement #NewDeputy #MCLETC #PublicService #CommunityPride #ProudToServe ... See MoreSee Less