Kevin 'Kollins' Hedemark Dies: Will County Sheriff's Public Information Officer, WJOL Personality

JOLIET, IL ? The Will County Sheriff's Office late Monday night announced the unexpected death of Kevin "Kollins" Hedemark, who had served as the agency's public information officer since March, following the retirement of Kathy Hoffmeyer. Hedemark was also a lieutenant on Will County's Sheriff's Auxiliary Unit.

Chief Deputy Sheriff Dan Jungles told Joliet Patch that Hedemark's death on Monday evening was attributed to a medical issue, and nothing was suspicious. Kollins was 58 years old.

"Kevin was deeply dedicated to the mission and values of this office. Through his professionalism, kindness, and leadership, he strengthened the bond between our department and the community we serve. Though fairly new to the position of PIO at the sheriff?s office, Kevin left an indelible mark as he worked tirelessly to keep the public informed and to represent our agency with integrity, compassion, and pride. His commitment to service, both in uniform and behind the scenes, earned him the respect and admiration of everyone who had the privilege of working with him," the Will County Sheriff's Office said.

Kevin had an impressive career spanning over 35 years in the broadcast industry and had an extensive background in marketing and public relations. Kevin attended college in Sioux City, Iowa, and graduated from Morningside University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications. For over 10 years, Kevin could be heard on the airwaves throughout Will County on both 1340 WJOL and Star 96.7 radio stations.

The Sheriff's Office posted the following information on its Facebook page:

Kevin?s dedication to the Will County community is unparalleled. He joined the Will County Sheriff?s Auxiliary Unit in 2006 and served as an Administrative Lieutenant in that unit. Throughout his tenure, Kevin?s service at the Will County Sheriff's Office has been recognized numerous times. In 2011, Kevin was named Auxiliary Deputy of the Year, and in 2017 he was named Auxiliary Supervisor of the Year. Most recently, in 2024, Kevin received the President?s Lifetime Achievement Award for volunteering over 4,000 hours of service during his tenure with the Will County Sheriff?s Office Auxiliary Unit.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Kevin?s family, friends, and colleagues. His unexpected passing is a tremendous loss to our Sheriff?s Office family and to all of Will County. Information regarding services and memorial arrangements will be shared as it becomes available.

Let us all honor Kevin?s memory by serving our community, in your own way, with the same dedication and heart that he exemplified every day.