The search for Sangamon County’s next sheriff has narrowed to seven finalists, as the Sheriff Applicant Review Committee, chaired by retired 7th District Circuit Court Judge Pat Kelley, selected the top candidates from an initial pool of fifteen applicants. Interviews with the finalists will begin next week, and each candidate will undergo a thorough background check before the committee makes its final recommendation.
The seven finalists are Timothy Becker, Athens Chief of Police and a retiree from the Illinois State Police; Bryce Benton, a member of the Illinois State Police's Division of Criminal Investigation; Paula Crouch, Chief Deputy Circuit Clerk of Sangamon County and a retired Springfield Police officer; Nancy Finley, a Sergeant with the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office; Mike Harth, also a Sergeant with the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office; Chris Mueller, Executive Director of Sangamon County Central Dispatch and a retired Springfield Police officer; and Bryan Pruitt, a retired Captain from the Illinois State Police.
In a joint statement, Committee Chairman Kelley and County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter expressed gratitude for the candidates' dedication: “We are truly thankful for the interest and willingness to serve shown by so many candidates. The Sheriff’s Office is crucial to public safety and community trust, and we are confident that from these seven finalists, we will find the best person to lead with integrity and transparency.”
County officials also announced that the Sangamon County Board’s regular meeting on Tuesday, September 10th, will be largely procedural, with no substantive business, reports, or public comment. The board will adjourn quickly to a special meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 18th, at the Convention Center, where the board will take up September business, hear public comments, and possibly confirm the new Sheriff.
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