SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Applications are now open to fill the office of sheriff in Sangamon County following Jack Campbell's retirement.

Sheriff Campbell announced earlier this month that he would be retiring no later than Aug. 31, 2024. His announcement came following calls from community activists and politicians to resign after Sangamon Co. deputy Sean Grayson killed Springfield woman Sonya Massey during a 911 call.

Sangamon County Board Chair Andy Van Meter has to nominate someone to fill the position within 60 days of the vacancy with confirmation from the rest of the board. The appointee can serve the remainder of Campbell's term, with a general election on Nov. 3, 2026.

"We are at a critical juncture for law enforcement in Sangamon County. The role of Sheriff is vital not only for maintaining public safety but also for fostering trust and cooperation between the Sheriff's Office and our community," said Van Meter in a news release. "I strongly encourage all qualified individuals who are committed to these values to step forward and apply. This is not just a job; it is a responsibility to lead with integrity, transparency, and dedication. The community is counting on someone who can rise to the occasion and uphold the highest standards of law enforcement."

In order to serve as sheriff, the applicant must

  1. Be a US Citizen
  2. Be a resident of Sangamon Co. for at least 1 year
  3. Not be a convicted felon
  4. Have a certificate attesting successful completion of the Minimum Standards Basic Law Enforcement Officers Training Course as prescribed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board or a substantially similar training program of another state or the federal government

The appointee must also be a member of the same political party as Campbell when he was elected, in this case the Republican Party.

All individuals who meet the above criteria are encouraged to submit their resume, letter of interest, and any other supporting material they wish to include (such as letters of recommendation) via email to County@co.sangamon.il.us or delivered to the Sangamon County Board Office, temporarily located in the Sangamon South Building, 300 S 9th St Floor #2, Springfield IL, 62701 (Former State Journal-Register Building). The application deadline is Tuesday, September 3rd.

Members of the committee created to review applicants include:

Chair of the committee, Pat Kelley, a retired 7th District Circuit Court Judge and former Sangamon County State’s Attorney; Joel Tjelmeland, a Sangamon County Board member and Chairman of the Jail Committee; Linda Douglas-Williams, a Sangamon County Board member and ranking Democrat on the Jail Committee; Raymond Poe, retired Illinois State Representative and former Illinois Director of Agriculture; Mary Beth Rodgers, First Assistant Sangamon County State’s Attorney and Springfield Park Board member; Chico Belle, retired Deputy, Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office; and Catie Sheehan, SIU System Executive Director of Marketing & Communications and former Vice Chair of the Sangamon County Board.

“I and my fellow committee members are honored to be entrusted with this responsibility by Chairman Van Meter,” said Kelley in a news release. “Throughout my years of service in the judiciary and as a State’s Attorney, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that effective law enforcement can have on a community. A strong, principled sheriff’s office is essential for ensuring justice and maintaining public confidence in our legal system. Our goal as a committee is to conduct a thorough and fair evaluation of all applicants and to select the best candidate who can lead the office with competence, integrity, and a clear vision for the future."

Until a new person is appointed, Sangamon County Coroner will serve as Sheriff from the retirement date until the appointee is approved by the board.

"While I did not seek or request this temporary assignment, I fully understand the importance of continuity in the Sheriff's Office during this transition period," said Allmon in a news release. "I am prepared to ensure that the Sheriff's Office operates smoothly and efficiently, and I know that the existing team in the Sheriff’s Office shares that same dedication. My role will be to uphold the constitutional responsibilities of the Sheriff's Office until a permanent successor is appointed, and I will work closely with the staff to maintain public safety and service during this interim period."

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