Crime & Safety
Livingston County, IL: Retired Sheriff Tony Childress Dies Oct. 13
Pontiac, IL – A longtime Illinois law enforcement leader who served his community for more than three decades has died. Retired Livingston County Sheriff Tony Childress passed away Tuesday, October 13
By Nora Whitfield · 2026-10-14T17:06:54.442Z
Pontiac, IL – A longtime Illinois law enforcement leader who served his community for more than three decades has died. Retired Livingston County Sheriff Tony Childress passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2026, leaving behind a career marked by public service, leadership and dedication to the residents of Livingston County.
According to the Livingston County Sheriff's Office, Childress' death was announced Wednesday, October 14, in an official statement expressing sadness over the loss of the former sheriff.
More Than Three Decades in Law Enforcement Childress began his career with the Livingston County Sheriff's Office in June 1991 and served in several positions throughout his career.
His experience included serving as a member of Task Force 6, working as a detective and earning a promotion to sergeant in 2012.
His years of service eventually led him to seek the county's highest law enforcement position.
Childress was first elected Livingston County sheriff in 2014 and won reelection in 2018.
He continued leading the department until his retirement in 2022, concluding more than 30 years of service to the county.
Sheriff's Office Remembers His Leadership In its October 14 announcement, the Livingston County Sheriff's Office recognized Childress for his commitment to protecting the community and supporting the department's personnel.
Officials said his leadership and years of service left a lasting mark on both the agency and the residents he served.
The department also extended condolences to Childress' family, friends, former colleagues and others whose lives he touched throughout his career.
Details regarding memorial services and funeral arrangements have not yet been released.
The Sheriff's Office said additional information will be shared when available.
Childress' passing marks the loss of a former elected official whose law enforcement career spanned more than three decades in central Illinois.