Law Enforcement Liability Program

Josh attended college at Southern Illinois University Carbondale where he majored in Aviation Management, minored in Aerospace Studies, and had a concentration in Aviation Flight. After receiving his Bachelor of Science, he led a successful career at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office from May 2006 thru June 2021. During his time there, he held positions as a Telecommunicator, Deputy Sheriff, Inspector, Sergeant Deputy Sheriff, and ultimately was elected Sheriff in 2018, a position he held until his retirement from law enforcement. While at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Josh received multiple awards for his work in D.U.I enforcement from the Illinois Department of Transportation as well as the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists. While working as an Inspector, Josh received an award from the Illinois M.E.G and Task Force Officer’s Association for a successful operation that led to the arrest of an individual supplying large amounts of cocaine in the area.

In 2013, Josh was one of seven Deputies in the State of Illinois to be nominated for the Illinois Sheriff’s Association Medal of Valor, the nomination stemming from his actions relating to a multi-county pursuit and arrest of two individuals wanted for Armed Robbery. While Josh was Sheriff, he conducted operational changes to the agency to increase efficiency and effectiveness. Josh led upgrades to numerous systems and equipment to coincide with the rapidly evolving law enforcement landscape. As Sheriff, he updated and created policy to reduce liability and ensure the actions taken were within compliance of Illinois law. Lastly, Josh served as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Director’s for MTU 13 during his time as Sheriff.