Kane County Sheriff Will Retire To Focus On Health, Asks For Privacy

KANE COUNTY, IL — Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain will retire Nov. 1, his office announced Friday.

After a 30-year career in law enforcement, the sheriff decided to step down "to focus on his health and to ensure the continuity of leadership for the people of Kane County," according to a news release.

Hain was first elected sheriff in November 2018 and reelected in 2022. He first joined the Kane County Sheriff's Office in March 2003, going on to serve as SWAT team leader, canine handler and sergeant.

"Serving the people of Kane County has been the honor of my life," Hain said in a statement. "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 [Jamie] 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's retirement, officially beginning Nov. 1, falls two days before the general election, when the sheriff seat will be up for grabs. Voters will take to the polls to decide between Democrat Amy Johnson, the current undersheriff, and Republican Rob Russell, a former coroner for the county.

Hain said in early 2025 that he didn't intend to run for another term, putting his support behind Johnson, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Questions began swirling earlier this year after Hain disappeared from the public eye, according to several reports. Hain was considered among the most accessible in suburban law enforcement following his initial election.

Hain was hospitalized in April, but county officials did not disclose why he didn't return to work. Johnson oversaw the department in his absence.

“By law and policy, we are not able to publicly disclose details related to personnel matters, including whether or not a person is on a leave of absence,” Mosser told the Daily Herald in August.

In announcing his retirement, Hain declined media interviews and asked the public to "respect his privacy as he focuses on his health."

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"Sheriff Hain's retirement marks the close of a remarkable career defined by service and unwavering commitment to the people of Kane County," Johnson said in a statement. "His vision transformed how we serve our community and will continue to guide this office for years to come. His dedication to public safety, court security, and human‑centered rehabilitation within our jail has left a lasting imprint on this agency. It has been an honor to serve alongside him, and we thank Sheriff Hain for his leadership, his integrity, and the positive change he championed throughout Kane County. We wish him every success in retirement."

Mosser echoed her colleague, saying she was honored to work alongside Hain.

"When I was newly elected, it was Sheriff Hain who assisted me most in undertaking this significant role," she said in a statement. "He was not only a mentor but also a trusted friend and confidant. His vision for the jail in providing treatment and job skills transformed the way we look at criminal justice. It has been an honor to work alongside him these past six years. I wish him the best in retirement, as he truly deserves it! Please join me in thanking him for his decades of service, leadership, and lasting impact on Kane County."