Christian County Sheriff Kettelkamp to retire in 2026

March 4, 2025 36

TAYLORVILLE — Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp will soon be hanging up his hat for good.

In a statement made by Sheriff Kettelkamp Tuesday, he will not seek re-election to the post in 2026, opting to retire at the end of the term.

Kettelkamp’s impending retirement comes among a line of key sheriffs retiring or resigning in recent years, including former Macon County Sheriff Tony Brown, former Montgomery County Sheriff Rick Robbins, and former Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell.

Sheriff Brown retired from the Macon County Sheriff’s Department in 2021 after just over three decades of service. Sheriff Robbins retired in November after over three decades of service.

In contrast, Sheriff Campbell resigned last year concerning the Sonya Massey shooting, as the offending deputy, Sean Grayson, shot and killed Massey during an alleged disturbance call.

Similar to Brown’s and Robbins’ retirements, Kettelkamp’s retirement intends to spend more time at home with family.

Sheriff Kettelkamp thanked his family for their patience with him during his term of office.

“This job requires many long days, late nights, and time away from home,” Kettelkamp said. “I could not have done this without them and their support.”

Kettelkamp considers his over 15 years of service as Sheriff as one of the greatest honors of his life.

“I am deeply grateful for the trust and support the people of Christian County have placed in me,” Kettelkamp added.

He extended his gratitude to his colleagues working for the Sheriff’s Department and that it has been an honor to work alongside them.

“It has been an honor to work alongside such an outstanding team,” said Kettelkamp. “I am incredibly proud of all that we have accomplished together.”

Sheriff Kettelkamp also thanked his family for their patience with him during his term of office.

While his end of call won’t be until December 1, 2026, he still looks forward to serving out the remainder of his final term.

“I also know it is time for the next generation to step into this role,” Kettelkamp said. “Thank you to Christian County residents for placing their trust in me for four terms.”

His replacement will be elected in the 2026 General Election on November 3, 2026. It is not currently known if Undersheriff James Baker intends to run.

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Jake Leonard

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Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.