Schmalshof
For McDonough County Sheriff

I am Evan Schmalshof, a lifelong resident of McDonough County, and I am running for the position of Sheriff in the 2026 election cycle. With deep roots in this community and a passion for public service, I believe it is time to bring lasting change to the Sheriff’s office, change that is rooted in empathy, accountability, and transparency.

I was raised in McDonough County, where I have spent my entire life, and I’m proud to call this place home. I’m married to my wife, Caitlin, and together we’re raising our two sons, Beckett and Daxton. Growing up, my parents' divorce created a challenging environment, and I found myself turning to law enforcement officers for guidance and support during times when I felt voiceless. The Deputies and Troopers I met during those times became my role models, offering me the compassion and care I needed when I felt lost. This early exposure to law enforcement gave me a deep appreciation for the power of service and the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect.

I come from a hardworking background, growing up on a farm in Adair, Illinois, I helped my family with farming duties throughout high school and college. During those years, developed a strong work ethic, a sense of community, and an unwavering commitment to those I serve.

At 18, I discovered my passion for public service when I joined the New Salem Fire Protection District in Adair. What started as a volunteer role quickly evolved into a leadership position as Assistant Chief. Through my time with the Fire Department, I met many law enforcement
officers, riding along with them on patrol and learning the true meaning of service. I realized that many individuals we encountered in the field didn’t feel they had a voice, just as I had felt as a child. It was at this moment that I knew I could make a difference by becoming a law enforcement officer, by offering that same voice and support to others in their times of need.

My law enforcement journey began as a part-time jailer, where I learned how to navigate interactions with people from all walks of life, treating everyone with the same respect and dignity I would give to my own family. This experience was a crucial part of my development and has been invaluable in my work as a police officer. I served as a part-time officer for the Village of Blandinsville and eventually worked for the Bushnell Police Department. I had the honor of being appointed Chief of Police for the Village of Blandinsville. As Chief, I oversaw the day-to-day operations of the department, managing officers, coordinating public safety efforts, and ensuring the highest level of service to the community. My time as Chief deepened my commitment to integrity and transparency, and I worked tirelessly to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the residents we serve.

However, the last few years in my role as Chief have been far more difficult than they should have been. I have faced significant challenges, particularly due to the actions of one individual who has chosen to carry out personal grudges at the expense of public safety and Officer safety. This person has obstructed the use of a taxpayer-funded facility and arbitrarily blocked officers from accessing vital documents that are available to all other law enforcement in the area. These actions have not only hindered our ability to perform our duties but have also created a culture of distrust and inefficiency within our department as well as our community.

 

Despite these challenges, I have remained committed to the community and have continued to ensure the highest level of professionalism and service. However, these experiences have further fueled my desire to bring about change and make sure that the law enforcement system operates with the transparency, accountability, and fairness that every citizen in McDonough County deserves.

Later, I took on a full-time role with another law enforcement agency in McDonough County, where I gained extensive experience in traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, drug
enforcement, and working on investigations involving property crimes and crimes against persons. In all of these roles, I came to understand that most individuals I encountered were simply good people who had fallen on hard times. I saw firsthand how mental health struggles and addiction can impact lives, and these experiences continue to drive my commitment to finding real solutions to these issues.

 

The issue of addiction and mental health is not just something I’ve seen in my work, it’s something I’ve felt personally within my own family. This has made me even more determined to explore every avenue possible to offer meaningful support to those struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. Every person deserves to be treated with the same care, respect, and compassion that I would want for my own loved ones.

 

In 2023, I was involved in a motor vehicle accident that changed my life forever. While I cannot share all the details, the aftermath of that event opened my eyes to a system of corruption and a lack of transparency that cannot continue. The roadblocks I faced in seeking answers made me ask one crucial question: If they were willing to do this to me, a law enforcement officer, what might they be willing to do to the everyday citizens who don’t have the means to defend themselves? Through this painful experience, I realized just how much we need a change in leadership, one that is committed to accountability, transparency, and fairness.

I have heard many similar stories from others, and it is clear to me that the time for change has come. I want to lead by example, instilling lasting reforms within the Sheriff’s office that will promote trust, accountability, and open communication with the community. No more cover-ups. No more sweeping issues under the rug. We must be held to the same standards we expect from the citizens we serve.

 

As Sheriff, I will prioritize transparency in all matters, providing clear, factual, and evidence-based information. My leadership will be open to public scrutiny and feedback, and I will lead with swift, decisive action to address concerns and issues as they arise. I believe that the relationship between law enforcement and the public is fundamental to creating a safe, respectful community. This relationship must be based on trust, and that trust must be earned. I am committed to earning that trust by maintaining an open line of communication with everyone in McDonough County—whether it be through in-person meetings, phone calls, or appointments. I will ensure that all policies, procedures, and laws are followed with respect and fairness.

McDonough County deserves a Sheriff who leads with integrity, transparency, and empathy. I am ready to step into that role, and I humbly ask for your support as we work together to create a safer, more compassionate community for everyone.