2016 American Legion National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year recipient David J. Mahon of Effingham, Ill. speaks during the General Session of The American Legion 98th National Convention at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Wednesday, August 31. Photo by Clay Lomneth/The American Legion

Mahon receives Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award

David J. Mahon, sheriff of Effingham County, Ill., received The American Legion’s National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award on Aug. 31 at the 98th National Convention in Cincinnati.

Mahon, who has been with the department for 25 years, spent six years in the Army Reserve and a combined six years in the National Guard. He has made an emphasis in his career on traffic safety – he is active in several enforcement programs, and received an achievement award in 2012 for having made 500 DUI arrests. He is also active with SWAT and a rifle instructor.

Mahon has also raised more than $10,000 on torch runs for the Special Olympics, and in 2014 received the Flame of Hope. In response to news that Mahon had been selected to receive the Legion award, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner issued a proclamation naming Aug. 31, 2016, “Sheriff David Mahon Day” in Illinois. “Sheriff Mahon,” the proclamation reads, “should be commended for going above and beyond the duties expected of his position.”

"I want to thank you all for this award," Mahon told the attendees.