Christian County Sheriff to retire at the end of term

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. (WAND) — On Wednesday, Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp announced that he does not plan to seek re-election in 2026.

Kettelkamp was first sworn in as sheriff in 2010. According to his bio, he started his law enforcement career in police dispatch with with Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville campus police in 1972, and later went on to become a police officer for the City of Nokomis and Hillsboro.

He spent 27 years in various positions with the Illinois State Police, including trooper, special agent, and supervisor.

Kettelkamp released the following statement regarding the announcement.

“Serving as Christian County Sheriff for over 15 years has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and support the people of Christian County have placed in me.

“To the men and women of the Christian County Sheriff’s Office, thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to serving and protecting our residents. It has been an honor to work alongside such an outstanding team, and I am incredibly proud of all that we have accomplished together. Our entire Christian County law enforcement community has done great work. I am proud of our local partnerships, and to have such dedicated and qualified correctional officers, dispatchers, and deputies throughout the county keeping each community safe.

“I also want to extend my gratitude to my family. This job requires many long days, late nights, and time away from home. I could not have done this without them and their support.

“I look forward to serving out the remainder of my term. I also know it is time for the next generation to step into this role. Thank you to Christian County residents for placing their trust in me for four terms.”