SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Sangamon County Board will hold a special meeting to review applicants to replace Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell after his retirement last month. The Sangamon County Coroner, Jim Allmon, has been serving as interim sheriff.
Campbell's 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.
The Sheriff Applicant Review Committee was created by County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter and will be chaired by retired 7th District Circuit Court Judge Pat Kelley. They have chosen seven finalists for the role. The committee adds that each candidate will undergo a background check.
The board will meet on September 18 to cover the possible confirmation of a new Sheriff. They will also cover all of September's business and public comment.
In a joint statement, Chairman Van Meter and Committee Chairman Kelley said, “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.”
The board says the finalists for Sheriff are:
Timothy Becker (Athens Chief of Police; Retired Chief of Staff from the Illinois State Police)
Bryce Benton (Illinois State Police, Division of Criminal Investigation, Intelligence Command, Special Agent/Task Force Officer)
Paula Crouch (Chief Deputy Circuit Clerk of Sangamon County; Retired Lieutenant from the Springfield Police Department)
Nancy Finley (Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, Sergeant)
Mike Harth (Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, Sergeant)
Chris Mueller (Sangamon County Central Dispatch, Executive Director; Retired Lieutenant from the Springfield Police Department)
Bryan Pruitt (Retired from the Illinois State Police, Captain of District 10/Troop 7)
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