Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Sangamon County coroner Jim Allmon (pictured) is pulling double duty.

By state statute, the coroner is the interim sheriff. While the coroner’s office is a law enforcement agency, Allmon said that only goes so far.

“I’m not going to wear a uniform, and I’ll tell you why: I don’t believe I’ve earned the right to do that. I take that very seriously. Those guys have been through sixteen weeks of police training, and at the coroner’s office, we have our own training.

“I’m not a police officer. I’m a peace officer, not a police officer.”

There’s no word on when the county will select a permanent replacement for Jack Campbell, who retired after he lost confidence among much of the community after the Sonya Massey shooting.