The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Donna Pindell, The Quill
On Wednesday, July 1, a group of friends, relatives and co-workers gathered on the lawn of the Henderson County Courthouse in Oquawka to witness the swearing in of a new sheriff after the retirement of Steven P. Haynes which was effective June 30th.
Donald Seitz, a 28-year veteran of the Henderson County Sheriff's Department, and most recently the "Undersheriff," was sworn in as the new Henderson County Sheriff by the honorable David Vancil, Jr., Chief Judge of the Circuit. Sheriff Seitze will serve until the November 3rd election.
Sheriff Seitz grew up in Henderson County in the Gladstone area and currently resides near Gladstone. He is married to Diana and has three children, son Thomas, and daughters Stacy and Darcy.
When questioned about his plans, Sheriff Seitz said, "My priority is to take care of the residents, and especially the children of Henderson County." Currently, he said he's waiting on federal approval for a Federal Fastcap Grant to put a School Resource Officer in West Central schools.
The grant is a three year 75/25 split between the federal government and Henderson County.
After the Federal Government approves it, the grant will need to be brought before the Henderson County board for approval as it will take a positive vote from board members in order to pay for the remaining 25% cost for the officer.
The new School Resource Officer would cover all the Henderson County schools and provide training for the children in various subjects including safety.
Sheriff Seitz encourages the county citizens to contact local representatives to push for this grant to pass and promote other improvements for Henderson County.
Sheriff Seitz has started his campaign to be elected in November to retain his position as the sheriff, a 2-year term.
Former Sheriff Steve Haynes of Stronghurst attended the ceremony. Now that he is retired, Haynes said he will be spending his time with family and grandkids and taking care of his mom for now.
Haynes had been with the Henderson County Sheriff's Office for 30 years and 4 months serving the final 10 years as Henderson County Sheriff.
After the swearing in ceremony, a reception was held at the Sheriff's office welcoming Sheriff Seitz, and for the outgoing Sheriff Steven Haynes. As a token of appreciation, Haynes was given a beautifully engraved American flag sculpture.
The Honorable Chief Circuit Judge David Vancil, Jr. congratulates new Henderson County Sheriff Donald Seitz with a hand shake after he administered the oath of office on the courthouse lawn Wednesday, July 1st.