Metro East Sun

Nick Gailius sees his campaign to become sheriff of St. Clair County as a continuation of performing the level of service he’s prided himself on.

“My life has always been about service to others,” Gailius told the Metro East Sun after formally filing petitions seeking the Republican nomination for sheriff of St. Clair County. “I’ve been sheriff in Fairview Heights since 2010 now and we’ve been able to do a lot of good in the community. I believe our approach will translate well in St. Clair.”

Gailius’ said his platform for St. Clair centers on a plan of “innovation, inclusion and integrity.”

“I’ve always tried to be a value centered leader,” he said. “Crime in St. Clair County is much worse than people may think. Right now, you are 20 percent more likely to be a homicide victim in St. Clair County than Cook County. The only way you change that is with a plan ... that seeks to work with every part of the community and treat them all fairly and equally in doing so.”

Gailius’ plan comes with a history of life-altering results that have won him acclaim. Earlier this year, he was named Chief of the Year by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, and he also is a former president of the Southern Illinois Police Chiefs Association.

Again, Gailius said it’s all been a collaborative effort.

“We have to have a full-force effort to get things under control,” he said. “We need to get drug dealers off the street and, at same time, get help for those that need it. To make a difference, we have to be willing to address both the supply and the demand for drugs.”

As he’s crisscrossed the area, Gailius, who has worked his way up the ranks from a police dispatcher, said his message has been well received by voters. At one recent event, more than 200 people filled the room, among them regular citizens, elected officials, law enforcement agents and members of the clergy.

“People understand that public safety is at the top of the list of everyone’s concerns,” Gailius said. “We’re working together to get this done.”

Gailius resides in Fairview Heights with his wife, Karen, and their two children, Anna and Nicholas. He holds an MBA degree from Lindenwood University and graduated from the FBI National Academy and Southern Police Institute.

Gailius is running for seat held by  Democratic incumbent Rick Watson.