The 2025 Municipal Election season is officially underway.
One of the first candidates to throw their hat in the ring this year is Shawn Butler, of Frackville, who is seeking the Republican nomination to be Schuylkill County Sheriff. Butler is currently as Chief Deputy in the Sheriff’s Office, a title he earned in July 2023.
Sources have told The Canary that Schuylkill County Sheriff Joe Groody is not seeking re-election in 2025.
Previous to his current position, Butler served as the first armed security guard with the Sheriff’s Office starting in July 2014. He was then appointed a Deputy Sheriff the next year. Prior to working at the Courthouse, Butler served with the Butler Township Police Dept., starting in 2005 and eventually rising to the rank of Lieutenant.
“I’m thrilled to announce my candidacy for Schuylkill County Sheriff,” Butler stated. “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 says he “aims to enhance courthouse technology and security, promote community engagement programs for seniors and youth, and address the opioid epidemic by reintroducing drug prevention programs in schools.”
Butler says he also wants to better inform seniors about scams and various forms of abuse. He wants to do this while operating on a “fiscally conservative and responsible budget.”
Butler’s Background
Butler is a 1998 graduate of Cardinal Brennan High School. He has more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement and he’s served in the U.S. Army Reserves until his discharge in 2002. Later, he enrolled at the Lackawanna College Act 120 Program, the Criminal Justice program there and the Pennsylvania Deputy Sheriff Act 2 program.
Beyond his professional career, Butler has been an active member of the community. He is a volunteer firefighter with Rangers Hose Company in Girardville, where he was named Firefighter of the Year in 2001. He has also served as an EMT and Assistant Chief with Girardville EMS Services and coached tee ball and Little League in both Girardville and Frackville.
Butler is a parishioner at Saint Joseph the Worker Parish in Frackville and a member of numerous organizations, including 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 named Officer of the Year in 2023), the Pennsylvania Sheriff’s Association, the Knights of Columbus – Father Sheridan Council, and the NRA. Additionally, he is a member of 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.
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William Gray
January 13, 2025 at 3:26 pm
Shawn is everything that we would want in a Sheriff. Honest as they come. Definitely has a great rapport with people. Just a very decent man who the people of Schuylkill County would be well served. Best wishes for a successful campaign Shawn.