Howard Buffett, the son of renowned investor Warren Buffett, has made a profound impact on law enforcement through both personal involvement and philanthropy. Drawing from years of service as an auxiliary deputy and undersheriff, he served as sheriff of Macon County, Illinois, from September 2017 to November 2018. His commitment to public safety extends far beyond his tenure in law enforcement, with a remarkable legacy of supporting agencies nationwide through the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.
Between 2003 and 2019, Buffett’s foundation provided $10.4 million to the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, funding vehicles, equipment, K-9 units, training and significant jail upgrades, including enhanced medical care and substance abuse programs. His dedication to improving public safety also extended to Cochise County, Arizona, where, from 2012 to 2019, the foundation committed $28.1 million for training, search and rescue operations, K-9 programs, a helicopter initiative and other essential infrastructure.
In 2016, Buffett pledged $15 million to construct a state-of-the-art 46,000-square-foot law enforcement training facility in Decatur, Illinois. Operated by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, this facility reflects his dedication to elevating training standards and ensuring that law enforcement professionals are equipped to meet the demands of their roles. Since 2001, his foundation has also extended financial support to 115 local law enforcement agencies and volunteer fire departments, primarily in communities where the foundation operates.
Through these efforts, Buffett has significantly improved training, provided critical equipment and bolstered the operational effectiveness of law enforcement agencies. His contributions have not only enhanced public safety but also underscored his unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of officers and the communities they serve.