Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – With Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell announcing he will retire no later than Aug. 31, the application process is now open. Sangamon County Board Chair Andy Van Meter must nominate someone to fill the position within 60 days of the vacancy. The nomination requires confirmation by the County Board.

The appointee will fill the remainder of the term. The next election for the position is set for November 3, 2026.

The following are criteria for eligibility: (1) be a US citizen; (2) a resident of the county for a year or more; (3) not be a convicted felon; and (4) and must have “a certificate attesting to his or her 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.

Appointee must also be a member of the same political party as Sheriff Campbell when he was last elected, therefore Van Meter is required to appoint a Republican to the vacancy.

Chairman Andy Van Meter said, “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. 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.”

Van Meter has created a committee to review applications and participate in the interview and nominations process. The committee includes 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.

Coroner Jim Allmon will serve as Sheriff from the effective retirement date until a new sheriff is appointed by the board. Allmon said, “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. 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.”

Resumes, letters of interest, and any other supporting material can be submitted by 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. The application deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 3.