THE FOLLOWING IS A DANVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT RELEASE
The community of Danville lost a 36-year veteran of the Danville Police Department, Clifford A. Hegg, Sr., on September 2, 2026. Not only did Cliff serve the community of Danville, but he also served in the Illinois Army National Guard for 6 years. Cliff was sworn in as a Danville Police Officer on March 2, 1970. On April 1, 1973, he was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to the Patrol Division. Later, on July 5, 1977, he was promoted to Lieutenant. In 1978, as a Lieutenant, he was transferred to Criminal Investigations Division where he oversaw detectives. In the mid-80s Cliff was transferred to the Administration Division where he oversaw Staff Services and Records Sections.
Cliff continued his development while on the Danville Police Department. He achieved his associate’s degree from Danville Junior College (DACC) and continued his education at Eastern Illinois University where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1976. Cliff was a graduate of the FBI National Academy at Quantico in 1975 and Northwestern University Traffic Institute in 1977 – one of only a few to accomplish the same in the DPD’s history. Cliff was instrumental in modernizing Staff Services. He was meticulous in keeping things in order and was very organized. One of his peers who worked most of his career with Cliff, G. Douglas Miller (ret. Deputy Director), stated, “Cliff was honest, a hard worker, and dedicated to the Danville Police Department.”
Cliff served as the Interim-Chief of Police following the retirement of Chief Robert Dietzen for 6 months until the City of Danville hired Chief Carl Alexander. Cliff’s organization skills allowed there to be a smooth transition for Chief Alexander. Cliff retired as a Lieutenant when DPD transitioned from a stand-alone Police Department to the Police Division of the Danville Public Safety Division in 2004. Cliff came back to the Department as a civilian employee in Staff Services until he retired from that position in 2011.
I remember Cliff being a professional, but kind person. More than that, I know that Cliff was a family man and was ultimately dedicated to his children (Cliff Jr. and Jennie) and devoted to his wife, Linda for 58 years. In addition, Cliff was a proud grandfather. Cliff led his family by example. His son and one of his grandsons continued his legacy serving as police officers for the community as well at DPD. Cliff was an exemplary husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many whose example is that for others to follow. Rest in peace, Cliff. You’ve earned it.
– Chief Christopher S. Yates
