When should a public body support a candidate for office?

The McHenry County Sheriff's Department has issued a Media Release about its undersheriff and his prowess at a local educational institution. The institution advertises itself as a "... four-year, accredited, independent, liberal arts, co-educational college" with a limited number of MBA programs.

Does MCSD do so for each of its employees?

Does it do so only if the graduate is running for elected office and is the "favored son" of the incumbent who is retiring?

Wait until you see that release. Will MCSD have the gall to publish it on its own Sheriff's Department website?

To me this smacks of use of taxpayer-funded property to prop up a candidate for office. That's gotta be illegal.