Sangamon County, Illinois – The Sangamon County Board’s regular meeting will take place as scheduled on Tuesday, September 10th, along with all committee meetings. However, the board meeting will be largely procedural. No substantive business, reports, presentations, or public comment will occur during this meeting.

The Board will quickly adjourn after a roll call and the approval of the previous meetings’ minutes until a special meeting on Wednesday, September 18th at 6:00 PM to be held at the Convention Center. This special meeting will cover all September business, public comment, and the possible confirmation of a new Sheriff.

The Sheriff Applicant Review Committee, established by County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter and chaired by retired 7th District Circuit Court Judge Pat Kelley, has selected seven finalists from an initial pool of fifteen applicants. Interviews with the finalists will begin next week, and each candidate will undergo a comprehensive background check.

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.”

Finalists:

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)