Facts Over Spin: Why Joe Moon Earned the Support of Law Enforcement
Letter to Editor:
A recent Letter to the Editor focused heavily on political donations while avoiding the one thing that truly matters in the race for McDonough County Sheriff: character, experience, and proven leadership.
Let’s start with the facts. Joe Moon did not ask for donations from outside organizations. The Illinois Troopers Lodge #41 and the Illinois FOP Corrections Lodge #263 chose on their own to endorse and support him because of his record. Their letters make that unmistakably clear. These were voluntary endorsements based on merit, not money.
Troopers Lodge #41 described Joe Moon as a man of “unwavering integrity, deep commitment, and proven leadership,” citing his more than 26 years with the Illinois State Police as a Road Trooper, K-9 Officer, and Criminal and Drug Unit Investigator, as well as his decade of leadership as Lodge President. FOP Corrections Lodge #263 called his career a “testament to distinguished service and dedication” and offered its full endorsement because of his professionalism and commitment to public safety. These are endorsements based on qualifications — not politics.
Fraternal Order of Police lodges are not political organizations. They are professional associations representing law enforcement officers and routinely support candidates from both parties based on integrity and leadership. To assume otherwise simply because of geography is inaccurate.
When critics can’t attack a candidate’s career, they attack the process instead.
Now let’s ask some honest questions about the other campaign. Why has the Macomb FOP not donated to Nick Petitgout’s campaign? Why have the McDonough County Republicans not endorsed him? Why has the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association not supported him?
These organizations typically stand behind proven leadership. Their silence is worth noting.
The only lodge claiming to support Nick Petitgout is Spoon River Valley FOP — and even that “endorsement” was not legitimate. I am a member of that lodge. Our bylaws do not allow political endorsements, and no vote of the membership was ever called. Nick knew this and accepted a questionable endorsement anyway.
That’s not transparency. That’s not accountability. And it’s not leadership. It’s also important to understand why so many statewide law enforcement organizations chose Joe Moon. For years, Joe worked daily in Springfield alongside leaders from across Illinois, advocating for the betterment of law enforcement as a whole. He showed up, did the work, and earned respect through consistency, professionalism, and integrity.
These organizations saw that firsthand and they also had the opportunity to interact with Nick Petitgout there as well. Nick spends a great deal of time in Springfield. It is no accident that support went one direction.
They saw in Joe Moon the quality of character, leadership, and accountability that the office of Sheriff demands; they did not see that same standard in Nick Petitgout.
That’s not politics. That’s professional judgment. Voters deserve facts, not distractions. The choice should be based on who is best prepared to lead the McDonough County Sheriff’s Office with integrity and experience.
That candidate is Joe Moon. Respectfully submitted,
Eric R. Jameson, Macomb McDonough County Coroner
