Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain announced his retirement, effective November 1, 2026, bringing a distinguished 30-year career in law enforcement to a close. Sheriff Hain has decided to step down to focus on his health and to ensure continuity of leadership for the people of Kane County.
“Serving the people of Kane County has been the honor of my life,” said Sheriff Hain. “I’m proud of what we built together and prouder still of the men and women of this office who show up for this community every single day. The work that means the most to me, helping people get treatment and a real second chance instead of just a jail cell, happened because of great partners: State’s Attorney Mosser, our County Board, our fellow agencies, and the recovery and treatment providers who believed in it with us. I know I’m leaving the office in excellent hands with Undersheriff Amy Johnson. Thank you for trusting me with this responsibility.”
Hain was first elected in November 2018 and re-elected in 2022. As sheriff, he implemented innovative programs to improve public safety, reduce recidivism, and address the opioid crisis.
Hain shifted the office’s approach to mental health and substance abuse issues, launching the “A Way Out” program in 2019 that helped individuals struggling with drug addiction access treatment, recovery services, and reentry support. In 2021, he launched a social worker program at the Sheriff’s Office and joined the State’s Attorney’s Office in advocating for a Mental Health Unit at local hospitals. In 2023, the two offices teamed up again and established the Child Exploitation Unit to investigate internet crimes against children. Hain led the Sheriff’s Office through the implementation of the Illinois SAFE-T Act, which included the elimination of cash bail in Kane County.
Throughout his career, Hain served on the boards of the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, the Juvenile Justice Council, and Kane County CASA. He also served as chairman of the Illinois State TRIAD Association and the Kane County DUI Task Force.
In accordance with Illinois law, Hain has designated current Kane County Undersheriff Amy Johnson to fill the vacancy created by his retirement until another sheriff is elected or appointed. The designation was made in writing and filed with the county clerk. The county board has 60 days to fill the vacancy from the time it opens.
—Kane County government