BELLEVILLE, IL. (KMOX) - In St. Clair County law enforcement,  he’s an icon.   Now, Sheriff Mearl Justus is calling it quits.

Sheriff  Justus, known for his easy straight-talking style and often innovative approach to law enforcement, has stepped down.   He once had prisoners at the county jail in Belleville grow their own vegetables

He made his immediate resignation known in a letter to St. Clair county Board Chairman Mark Kern who called Justus a man who made great strides in law enforcement and will be missed.

Justus is 81.  He has has had health issues.  By law the undersheriff takes on the sheriff’s duties until the County Board approves a replacement.