As Marion County Sheriff Andy Garden exits the sheriff’s race, detective Ryan Castleman has thrown his hat into the ring and has earned Garden’s endorsement.
Castleman says as sheriff public safety in Marion County would be his highest priority. He wants to ensure that employees have up-to-date safety equipment and the latest technology to allow them to better serve the citizens of Marion County.
Castleman says improving communications with surrounding agencies and developing working relationships to better serve the community is another goal. He’s also promising to follow Garden in working closely with the County Board.
Castleman joined the sheriff’s office in 2007 and has worked as Corrections Officer, Patrol Deputy, and currently as detective focusing on narcotics investigations.
“It’s almost like a natural progression. The challenges I’ve faced as an investigator, they have been fulfilling and I enjoy what I do. When I spoke to Sheriff Garden and he showed an interest in retiring it kind of opened the door and sounded like a great challenge to accept and pursue.”
Castleman is a lifelong resident of Marion County where he lives with his wife and children. He and his family attend Greenview Christian Church where he is a Deacon and one of the Security Ministry Leaders. Castleman is also a board member for the New Horizon Christian School in Centralia.
Castleman has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Administration at SIU-E. He has also served as an Inspector on the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force. He has also received numerous training hours from the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, US Attorney’s Office, and the Illinois State Police. He is a certified lead homicide investigator.
Castleman feels with his education in business administration, his experience in law enforcement, along with his knowledge of small business operations, he possesses the tools to be fiscally responsible with Marion County taxpayers’ dollars.
Castleman will face the sheriff’s department’s other Detective, Kevin Cripps, in the June Republican primary. There is no announced Democratic candidate at the present time.
