Schutzbach Announces Candidacy for County Sheriff

Mike Schutzbach, Chief of the Effingham City Police Department, has announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Effingham County Sheriff in 2014. 

Schutzbach is a lifelong resident of Effingham.  He attended both St. Anthony Grade and High Schools, graduating in 1981.  Schutzbach received an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Law Enforcement from Lake Land College in 1983 and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Law Enforcement Administration from Western Illinois University in 1984.  He is a graduate of Northwestern University Traffic Institute Executive Management Program, Northwestern University Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy.  

Schutzbach began his career in January of 1986 as a patrol officer with the Effingham City Police Department after graduating from the University of Illinois Police Training Institute with the Scholarship Award (highest individual academic record within the class).  He was later assigned to the detective division within the department.  In February of 1995 Schutzbach was promoted to patrol corporal, to sergeant November 1996, Deputy Chief November 1999 and took the lead position (Chief) within the department February 2003.

Schutzbach is the son of Jerry and Marcie (Willenborg) Schutzbach of Effingham.  He has one brother: Don (Mary McHugh) Schutzbach of Effingham and three sisters: Teri (Rob) Wortman, Lisa (John) Wortman both of Effingham and Linda (Michael) Miller of Connecticut.  Schutzbach has been married to Crystal (Probst) for over 25 years.  Crystal is the daughter of Weldon and Sharon (Hines) Probst of Effingham.  The couple have two sons; Andrew, attending University of Missouri Saint Louis and Justin who is attending Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

Schutzbach said he has extensive knowledge and experience in law enforcement management, managing criminal investigation and human resource administration.  He said he has a proven background in: Budgeting, Police Administration and Operations, Leadership Development, Due Process, Internal Affairs Investigation; Discipline and Termination, and writing rules, policies and procedures, within the law enforcement arena.  Schutzbach believes that he has continuously proven his extensive leadership qualities and management abilities through his proactive command practice portrayed in daily operations of the Effingham Police Department.  He has pledged professionalism and exemplary standard of conduct for public safety members under his authority.  Schutzbach understands the success of law enforcement comes from a supportive public with community oriented policing assisting departments in achieving the goal of identifying criminal activities through public awareness.

Schutzbach’s past public safety experiences also include employment as a Court Services Officer, Probation Officer and Law Enforcement Instructor at Lake Land College.  His professional memberships include:  Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Chiefs of Police, Northwestern University Center for Public Safety Alumni Association, FBI National Academy Associates, Central Illinois Association of Law Enforcement Executives, Southern Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, past Ex-Officio Member of Effingham County Youth Commission, Effingham County 911 Board (Secretary/Treasurer), NENA 911(National Emergency Number Association), Illinois Police Training and Standards MTU #13 Board. 

If elected Sheriff, Schutzbach said he will lead with an open door policy, focus on accountability, increase public safety and reduce any unnecessary spending within the department.  Schutzbach believes his knowledge, integrity and true dedication to public safety coupled with his direct approach while engaging others qualifies him to be an outstanding candidate for Effingham County Sheriff.