New Lenox Man To Run For Will County Sheriff

NEW LENOX, IL — A New Lenox man has entered the race to become the next Will County Sheriff, he announced on Friday.

The race is expected to be one of the most hotly watched political contests next year, as both the Democrats and the Republicans will have primaries. Will County Sheriff's Deputy and New Lenox resident Justin Fialko announced on Friday that he'll run on the Republican ticket. He'll face Undersheriff Brian Conser and fellow sheriff's deputy Jim Reilly. On the Democrat side, Chief Deputy Sheriff Dan Jungles and Sgt. Patrick Jones will face off.

Three-term Democrat sheriff Mike Kelley is retiring from the agency next year.

Fialko started his career at Stateville Correctional facility, and has served as a deputy with the Will County Sheriff’s Office for the last 10 years, along with two additional years volunteering as an auxiliary deputy.

"With a combined total of 12 years in law enforcement and community service, I understand what it means to lead with honor and integrity," Fialko said. "During my time at the Sheriff’s office, I’ve prioritized community based policing to strengthen the trust between the department and the neighborhoods I serve."

Fialko went on to describe why he will seek the position.

I firmly believe in the mission of this office to protect, serve, and bring our community together. For too long, we have seen a departure from the core values of integrity, accountability, and trust that should define this office. I am here to restore those values and bring clarity and transparency to all operations, ensuring that every employee feels empowered to uphold our commitment to serving Will County.

I will create a consistent, supportive and valued environment for all employees. I will lead by example advocating for proper training, and an inclusiveness where every voice matters and is heard. High morale creates a motivated and valued team which is essential; it leads to a more effective and responsive sheriff’s office for everyone. Deputies on the front line possess invaluable insights into policies and procedures, and I will ensure their perspectives are recognized and considered, because they have firsthand knowledge of things that need change.

Working on building trust with the public is extremely important, and transparency is a major factor of that trust. You deserve to know what is happening within the office that is responsible for your safety. Decisions will not be made in secrecy. Employees will be given the opportunity to participate in decisions and I will keep the public informed about budgets, policies, and our community incidents. I will hold quarterly public meetings, providing you the opportunity to ask questions and receive direct answers. Our records will be accessible within the boundaries of the law, as this office belongs to the public, not just the Sheriff’s Office. Transparency builds trust, and trust is essential to transparency.

See other Patch coverage of the Will County Sheriff candidates.

• Will County Sheriff Candidate Reveals SAFE-T-Act Stance In Campaign Announcement
• 2nd Will County Sheriff Candidate Emerges For 2026 Democratic Primary
• Will County's Next Sheriff: Will Jungles Succeed Mike Kelley?