Knox County Sheriff David Clague says he won’t seek another term in office in 2022.
That means next year will cap off a nearly 50-year career in local law enforcement for the 5-term Democrat.
This also follows Wednesday’s announcement that Jack Harlan, a detective and K9 handler with the department, will run for the position.
Democrat Clague has served as Sheriff since 2007, first by appointment after the resignation of Jim Thompson.
Clague was with the Galesburg Police Department for 34 years retiring as a Lieutenant just before his Sheriff appointment.
Clague then was elected to a 2-year term, and four different four-year terms.
He says his “decision is based on a desire to open the field for any and all qualified candidates.”
Clague has effusive praise for his law enforcement colleagues and fellow local elected officials.
Also he thanks his wife Debbie for years of support saying she’s always there to defend him when “things get sticky” and it’s a role she handles with “humor and a KICK in the pants if that’s called for.”
Clague will remain in office for the next 15 months, over which he promises to deliver the same law enforcement they have in the past.
