A fifth man has joined the race for Whiteside County Sheriff, and he is the fourth Republican to do so. Candidate Clark Mortensen declared his candidacy for the office..
He is eager to connect with residents of Whiteside County. To that end, Mortensen will host a pair of “meet and greet” fundraiser events in the area:
- Wednesday, September 20, 2017, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Manny’s Too, 305 11th Avenue, Fulton, IL. Tickets are $10 per person for the taco and pizza buffet. Beverages are not included.
- Monday, October 2, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Happy Joe’s 109 W. Main Street, Morrison, IL. Tickets are $10 per person for the pizza buffet. Beverages are not included.
The native and lifelong resident of Erie, IL, has served in Law Enforcement for nearly 26 years, including the last 17 as an Officer and Firefighter for Quad City International Airport. Mortensen’s experience includes eight years as a Police Officer for the Colona[, IL,] Police Department. During that time, he also was on the Colona City Council (2000-2005), serving on the City’s Economic Committee.
Mortensen’s passion to serve comes from family influence, including from his father, a retired Illinois State Police trooper.
The candidate resides in Erie with his wife, Kara. The Mortensens are proud parents of six children and one grandchild.
For more information, contact Clark Mortensen at Clarkmort@yahoo.com or 309-314-3429. Visit mortensenforsheriff.com or facebook.com/mortensenforsheriff. His credentials and work experience follow.
Law Enforcement Background
2000 – Present: Quad City Airport Public Safety Department, Officer; Cross-Trained in Police and Fire
2005 – 2015: Colona Police Department, Part-Time Police Officer
2001 – 2005: Colona City Council, Alderman; Economic Committee
1993 – 2000: Colona Police Department, Full-Time, Corporal Officer
1993: Henry County Sheriff’s Department, Part-Time Patrol Deputy, Orion, IL
1993: Carbon Cliff Police Department, Full-Time Police Officer
1993: Graduated from the Illinois State Police Academy
1992 – 1993: Carbon Cliff Police Department, Auxiliary Police Officer
1990 -1996: Illinois National Guard, Stinger Missile Crewman
1990 – 1992: Black Hawk College, Associates Degree in Law Enforcement
Awards, Certifications, and Additional Experience
1996 – 2000: Colona D.A.R.E. Officer
1998: Mothers Against Drunk Drivers Award
IPMBA (International Police Mountain Biking Association) Certified
ARFF (Aircraft Rescue Firefighting) Certified
Union President of Local Airport AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees)
Wildlife Coordinator at Quad City International Airport
Taser Instructor at Quad City International Airport
Trained in Dignitary Protection
Field Training Officer in Colona, IL
Investigator for Colona Police Department
Vehicle Processor at Colona Police Department
Community Involvement
Deacon, Erie Christian Church
Coached numerous local Wrestling, Baseball, and Softball teams
Volunteered at the local Radio Station, showcasing area sports talent (athletes/coaches)
Volunteered at numerous Church Events.