DECATUR, IL – Retiring Macon County Sheriff Thomas Schneider is the 2017 Penny Severns Integrity Award honoree. He will receive the award, sponsored by the Macon County Jefferson-Jackson Club in association with the Macon County Democratic Central Committee, at a reception from 5:30 to 8 p.m., October 19th at the Scovill Golf Course Banquet Center at 3909 West Main Street in Decatur.
The Severns Integrity Award is named in honor of the late State Senator Penny Severns. It is presented to elected officials at either the local or state level who embody the dedication, honesty, and integrity demonstrated by Severns in her career.
Thomas Schneider was appointed Macon County Sheriff in 2008. Through sound fiscal management, visionary leadership, and a strong but compassionate approach to policing, Schneider presided over a decline in violent crime and increase in public confidence in law enforcement. Schneider retired after 29 years of distinguished service to Macon County.
Macon County Democratic Chairman Jim Underwood said, “Sheriff Schneider is the best kind of public servant. He served with vision, humility, and absolute integrity. We are pleased to recognize his many contributions to our County.”
The reception will feature keynote speaker JB Pritzker, candidate for Governor of Illinois. Pritzker is a managing partner and co-founder of the Pritzker Group, a private investment firm. He is an entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist, focused on early childhood development, human and civil rights.
Pritzker received an early endorsement of the Illinois AFL-CIO and the Macon County Democratic Central Committee. Chairman Underwood said, “JB has dedicated his life to making Illinois a better place to live, work and raise a family. We are thrilled he can join us as we remember the great Penny Severns and honor Sheriff Tom Schneider.”
Sheriff Schneider was succeeded by Interim Sheriff Howard Buffett. Schneider described his successor as, “the most committed volunteer we’ve ever had serve in our office.”
Buffett, one of only four recipient of the Illinois Sheriff’s Association’s highest honor, the High Sheriff Award, will also be an honored speaker at the reception honoring Schneider, along with State Senator Andy Manar.
Anyone interested in attending should contact Jim Underwood via email at macon_county_chairman@hotmail.com or by phone at 433-8632.