Vermilion County Illinois Sheriff's Department

06/10/2026

MIDDLE FORK VERMILION RIVER CLOSED DUE TO EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has determined that current conditions on the Middle Fork Vermilion River present a significant hazard to public safety. Swift currents, floating debris, submerged structures, and elevated water levels have created dangerous navigation conditions for recreational boaters. These conditions also pose substantial risks to emergency personnel who may be called upon to conduct water rescue operations.
Therefore, effective 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the Middle Fork Vermilion River from the Illinois–Indiana State Line to the Village of Oakwood, Illinois, is designated as a Restricted Boating Area for all recreational vessels. This restriction shall remain in effect until the Illinois Department of Natural Resources determines that river conditions have improved and no longer present a significant danger to public navigation.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is authorized under Section 2030.80 – Hazardous Navigation Conditions: Designated Restricted Boating Areas to establish Restricted Boating Areas when conditions make navigation significantly dangerous to the public.
Under this authority, the Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources may designate affected waterways as Restricted Boating Areas and implement necessary measures to protect public safety. Such designations are announced through local media and posted at public boat launches and other access points. Restricted areas may be marked by buoys, signs, patrol watercraft, or other approved warning devices.
The designation will remain in effect until the Department determines that navigation is no longer significantly dangerous. The restriction may not remain in place for more than 90 days unless otherwise authorized by law. Once conditions improve, the Department will publicly announce the rescission of the Restricted Boating Area designation and remove any associated warning markers.
The public is urged to stay off the river during this period and to respect all posted restrictions. Your cooperation is essential to ensuring the safety of both recreational users and emergency response personnel.

06/04/2026

Vermilion County Sheriff's Department to Utilize Unmanned Aircraft Systems During the 2026 Balloons Over Vermilion Event

The Vermilion County Sheriff's Department is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees of the 2026 Balloons Over Vermilion Event.

To enhance public safety efforts, the Sheriff's Department will be utilizing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) throughout the event to assist with the real-time monitoring of participant safety and event operations.

OUR UAS WILL PROVIDE REAL-TIME AERIAL MONITORING TO HELP ENSURE THE SAFETY OF ALL PARTICIPANTS.

REAL-TIME AWARENESS

Advanced aerial technology allows us to quickly assess conditions and respond to incidents as they happen. This capability provides valuable situational awareness for public safety personnel and supports coordinated emergency response when needed.

The use of UAS technology supports our mission to provide a safe, secure, and enjoyable experience for everyone attending the event.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

For the safety of event attendees, pilots, and emergency personnel, recreational drones are not permitted at the 2026 Balloons Over Vermilion Event. Unauthorized drone operations may create hazards for balloon operations, emergency response activities, and public safety efforts.

We appreciate the cooperation of all attendees and look forward to a safe and successful 2026 Balloons Over Vermilion Event.

05/21/2026

VERMILION COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND WATER & BOATING SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, it often signals the unofficial start of the summer boating and water recreation season throughout Vermilion County. With the many lakes, rivers, and streams located across the county, residents and visitors alike have numerous opportunities to enjoy time on the water.

The Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department reminds everyone to place safety first while participating in any water-related activities.

Please remember the following important safety tips:
• Know your limitations when it comes to swimming and water activities. Do not enter the water if you are unsure of your swimming abilities.
• Children should always be supervised near water.
• The use of life jackets is strongly encouraged for all boaters, anglers, and swimmers whenever possible. Properly fitted life jackets save lives.
• Never operate a boat while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Be aware of changing weather and water conditions before heading out.

Specific regulations for Lake Vermilion include:
• No Wake from dusk to dawn
• Counterclockwise travel pattern required on the lake
• No Wake zone north of the powerlines to the West Newell Bridge at the north end of the lake
• Lake sticker or day pass required for all watercraft using the lake

Deputies will be actively patrolling throughout the holiday weekend to help ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

The Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.

05/15/2026

🚨 The NEW Vermilion County Sheriff App is NOW LIVE! 🚨

Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay ahead.

The Vermilion County Sheriff’s Office has launched a brand-new app designed to give the public faster access to important information, real-time updates, and direct communication with the Sheriff’s Department — all right from your phone.

📱 Features Include:
✔️ S*x Offender Information
✔️ Submit Anonymous Tips
✔️ Sheriff Sale Information
✔️ Active Inmate Search
✔️ Jail Procedures & Commissary Access
✔️ Employment Opportunities
✔️ Weather Alerts from the National Weather Service
✔️ Emergency Push Notifications & Important Announcements

In today’s world, information matters — and this app puts it at your fingertips instantly.

⚠️ Don’t wait until you need critical information. Download the app NOW and enable push notifications to stay up to date with alerts, announcements, and public safety information as it happens.

Download today:

🍎 Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/vermilion-county-sheriff-il/id6762826849

🤖 Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ocv.a1628&pcampaignid=web_share

Or simply search: Vermilion County Sheriff, IL

05/05/2026

04/23/2026

🚨COMING SOON !!🚨

The Vermilion County Sheriff’s Office is excited to announce our upcoming APP — your direct connection to the services, information, and support that help keep our community safe and informed.
Inside, you’ll find everything from real-time updates and press releases to convenient links to our social media channels. You can submit tips about criminal activity, access weather alerts, view information on registered offenders, learn about jail procedures, and even look up individuals currently in custody—all in one place.
Keep your eye out for future announcements as we prepare to go live with the app in the near future.

02/22/2026

Come down to the 2026 Coalition Career Fair at the David S. Palmer Arena.

We are currently accepting applications for Patrol Deputy. We also have joined the National Testing Network and an application and online test can be found by scanning this QR code.

01/15/2026

The Illinois Sheriff's Association has announced that it will be awarding over $58,000 in college scholarships throughout the state of Illinois to students that wish to pursue higher education during the 2026-2027 school year. Scholarships are to be applied to tuition, books, and fees only.

Applications are now available at your local Sheriff's office or on the ISA website https://www.ilsheriff.org/youth-2 . Students must complete the application, answer the essay question, and return all documentation to the Sheriffs Office in their permanent county of residence by March 13th, 2026 (must be postmarked by this date).

For Vermilion County Residents, reach out to Isabelle Morse at the Vermilion County Sheriff's Department for more information or to obtain an application 217-442-4080

12/30/2025

🔷APPLY NOW🔷 TESTING JAN 10th 2026 🔷
Vermilion County Sheriff's Department is now accepting applications for Deputy Sheriff positions!

We are testing January 10th, 2026

Do you have what it takes to serve and protect your community with honor, integrity, and dedication? We're looking for motivated individuals ready to make a difference.

Starting Salary 💲76,645

🔗https://www.vercounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sheriff-Employment-Deputy-Application.pdf

📲 Tag someone who would make a great Deputy!