Shawn Butler, a lifelong resident of Schuylkill County and a law enforcement professional, has officially announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Schuylkill County Sheriff in the upcoming primary election on May 20, 2025.
A 1998 graduate of Cardinal Brennan High School, Butler brings more than two decades of dedicated service and experience in law enforcement to his campaign. His early career includes honorable service in the United States Army Reserve until his discharge in 2002. He continued his education by completing the Lackawanna College Act 120 Program in 2005, earning credentials through the Criminal Justice Program at Lackawanna College, and graduating from the Pennsylvania Deputy Sheriff Act 2 Program in 2015.
Butler’s career in law enforcement began with the Butler Township Police Department in November 2005, where his leadership and commitment to public safety earned him a promotion to Lieutenant in 2021. His journey with the Schuylkill County Sheriff’s Office started in July 2014 as the department’s first armed security guard. He became a deputy sheriff in 2015 and advanced to the role of chief deputy in July 2023.
“I’m thrilled to announce my candidacy for Schuylkill County Sheriff,” Butler declared. “It has been an honor and privilege to serve the residents of Schuylkill County alongside an amazing team for the past decade. I am committed to continuing this service with dedication, integrity, and transparency.”
If elected, Butler plans to enhance courthouse technology and security, strengthen community engagement programs for seniors and youth, and combat the opioid crisis by revitalizing drug prevention initiatives in schools. He also aims to provide seniors with better education on scams and various forms of abuse, all while adhering to a fiscally conservative and responsible budget.
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Butler has been a devoted community volunteer. He is a firefighter with Rangers Hose Company in Girardville, where he was honored as Firefighter of the Year in 2001. He has also served as an EMT and Assistant Chief with Girardville EMS Services. His commitment to youth mentorship is evident through his experience coaching tee-ball and Little League in Girardville and Frackville.
Butler’s community involvement extends further as a parishioner at Saint Joseph the Worker Parish in Frackville and a member of various civic and professional organizations. These include the Schuylkill Community Action Board (SCA), the Schuylkill Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance Board (SEAPA), the Fraternal Order of Police – North Schuylkill Lodge #25 (where he was recognized as Officer of the Year in 2023), the Pennsylvania Sheriff's Association, the Knights of Columbus – Father Sheridan Council, the National Rifle Association (NRA), the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, and the Frackville Elks.
Butler resides in Frackville with his wife, Shannon, and their five children: Abigail, Shawn, Bradlee, Shane, and Irelynn.