By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

Livingston County Sheriff Tony Childress announced Thursday he is seeking the Republican nomination for the office of sheriff in the next primary in March 2018.

Childress held rallies in Pontiac, Fairbury and Dwight to garner support for his announcement that he is seeking re-election.

“I love the people of Livingston County and I love the men and women of the Livingston County Sheriff’s office. They’ve been a great pleasure to work with. We just work so well together. We’ve enjoyed so many successes together. Although I’ve only been sheriff for two and a half years, I’ve been with Livingston County Sheriff’s Department for over a quarter of a century. I’ve been here 26 years. I love what I do. I’ve always loved what I do. I love coming to work every day. I can’t say anymore than that, other than I just love what I do and I love the people,” Childress said.

Childress also said, to his knowledge, no other person has declared their candidacy.