To the Editor:
I have known Major Jeff Connor, both personally and professionally, for over twenty-five years. During that time, I have found him to be a true law enforcement professional. Major Connor is an individual of the highest character and integrity. He has proven to be a natural leader with both common sense and the intelligence necessary to lead a professional and progressive law enforcement agency.
As you review Major Jeff Connor's qualifications, you will find him to be loyal, dedicated, and determined to succeed. He thrives on challenges and enjoys working hard, and is always willing to go the extra mile to accomplish his goals. Graduating from the FBI National Academy, Lindenwood University graduate program, and being the Commander of the St. Louis Area, Major Case Squad are only three examples in which he has shown himself to be an asset and a team player in St. Louis and Illinois law enforcement community.
In assessing Major Connor’s overall abilities, it is clear he possesses the qualities and attributes to lead the Madison County Sheriff’s Department.
Richard F. Knox, executive director, Saint Louis Area Major Case Squad, Chief of Police, (retired)
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Please accept this letter on behalf of my good friend and colleague, Major Jeff Connor, a candidate for sheriff of Madison County, Illinois. I have personally known and worked with Jeff for over twenty years, having first met him working as a detective on the Greater St. Louis Major Case Squad. I know of no one better qualified to hold this position.
During his career, Jeff has distinguished himself as an outstanding law enforcement officer, a highly respected detective, and one of the St. Louis region’s top law enforcement leaders. Since 1986, Jeff has proudly served at every level and rank in the Granite City Police Department – from patrol officer, detective, supervisor, and executive/deputy chief of police. In 2014, because of his reputation and abilities, Jeff was selected by Sheriff John Lakin to serve as the chief deputy sheriff of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, where he presently oversees law enforcement operations for the protection of all county residents.
In addition to his remarkable career, Jeff also was selected in 2020 to serve as the commander of the Greater St. Louis Major Case Squad, only the eighth police executive ever to hold this prestigious position in the squad's 57-year history. Jeff is responsible for overseeing all operational components of the oldest and largest multi-jurisdictional violent crime task forces in the nation, comprising of nearly 600 detectives from over 100 agencies. Jeff has successfully commanded some of the highest-profile homicide investigations in Madison County and the two-state St. Louis region. He frequently addresses law enforcement audiences across the nation on the topics of protecting communities, combating violent crime, and criminal investigations.
Jeff and his family are lifelong residents of Madison County, and he knows firsthand the concerns of his many neighbors and friends. If selected by the voters, Jeff will no doubt continue to serve with the highest honor, integrity, and compassion, following in the highest traditions of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.
Bob Lowery, assistant Police Chief, Ferguson, Mo. (retired)