Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Sangamon County Board is set to hold a special meeting on Sept. 18 at the Bank of Springfield Center to potentially confirm a new sheriff.

The Sheriff Applicant Review Committee has narrowed the pool of fifteen applicants down to seven finalists. Interviews with the candidates will begin next week, and all will undergo thorough background checks, according to a press release put out Friday by Communications Director Jeff Wilhite.

In a joint statement, Board Chairman Andy Van Meter as well as committee chair and retired 7th District Circuit Court Judge Pat Kelley expressed their gratitude for the candidates’ willingness to serve, emphasizing the importance of leadership that upholds public safety and community trust. “We are confident that from these seven finalists, we will find the best person to lead with integrity and transparency,” they said.

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

The Sept. 18 meeting is scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m. and will also cover September business and allow for public comment.