December 2012

Justus, 81, cancels his annual Christmas party because he continues to recover from gall bladder surgery but insists he plans to finish his term, which goes through 2014.

November 2010

The sheriff's department rolls out The Exterminator, a 12,000-pound armored truck added to the sheriff's arsenal in an effort to curb crime in metro-east neighborhoods.

January 2011

Justus sent out layoff notices to 12 road deputies, saying the county could not afford the 9.5 percent pay increase an arbitrator had awarded them. Eight deputies were later recalled.

February 2000

Justus is named the new chairman of the Major Case Squad of the Greater St. Louis Area.

January 1998

The Illinois Department of Corrections issued a report saying St. Clair County Jail, which was built in 1970, is overcrowded and there is not enough staff.

November 1982

Justus is first elected sheriff in St. Clair County.

1962

Justus becomes police chief in Cahokia