Bureau County Sheriff James Reed has announced he will not seek another term as sheriff. In a statement released today, Sheriff Reed expressed gratitude for the support he has received throughout his tenure. He emphasized the honor it has been to serve the people of Bureau County and highlighted the dedication of his department. Reed requested that his statement be shared in its entirety.
Bureau County Sheriff Jim Reed announced in a press release today he will not be seeking a fourth term as Bureau County Sheriff. Reed began his career in law enforcement in 1991 at the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office. During his career, he worked as a corrections officer, deputy sheriff, criminal investigator, narcotics investigator for the Illinois State Police Drug Task Force, Master Firearms Instructor, and Patrol Sergeant. Reed was elected to his first term as sheriff in 2014 and was unopposed the last two elections. He has served as Bureau County Sheriff for the last eleven years.
Reed said one of the biggest reasons he is not seeking re-election is the burden the State of Illinois has put on law enforcement and the laws legislators have passed failing to protect the victims of crime, including law enforcement officers themselves. The SAFE-T Act and its deficiencies are another big reason. “I believe the legislation passed in Illinois endangers the safety of our citizens and the officers who serve and protect us.’
Sheriff Reed stated after 35-years, “Most of the people that I have grown up with in this profession are retired, will soon be retired, or are unfortunately, no longer with us. The two people who have inspired me the most, Chief Deputy Bret Taylor and Jail Administrator Lieutenant Becky Gosch have advised me they will be retiring next year. They have ensured me their replacements are trained and ready to take these roles, however, I will miss their guidance. These two remarkable individuals have provided friendship, wisdom, and counsel for me throughout the last decade and they will be greatly missed.” Reed stated his deepest appreciation goes to his staff and those who have supported him throughout the years he has served as sheriff.
“We have all worked together to build upon the foundation of the Sheriff’s Office that was already established when I took office in 2014. To the men and women of the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office, you are among the finest in public safety and I am truly blessed to have served alongside you. While there is still much to accomplish before I leave, I will retire knowing this Office is well prepared with exceptional leadership to face what lies ahead.”
Reed stated he is honored to serve so many years as sheriff. Reed, at the end of his term will join retired Sheriff, John Thompson, as the two longest serving sheriffs in Bureau County. “There are a lot of people who have supported me throughout the years that I personally need to thank over the next year, and I plan on doing that.”
Reed said some of the highlights of his career were working on the new law enforcement center and working with the county board to provide better equipment, salaries and benefits for his deputies.
Reed said another reason he can make the transition is that he is proud to see Joe Flanagan, another lifelong Bureau County resident and senior deputy, seeking the position as Sheriff. “Joe has come a long way in his career. He worked his way up the ladder in this office as I have, serving as a correctional officer, field deputy, and the department firearms instructor. Flanagan is a proactive deputy who has received two lifesaving awards for rendering aid to accident victims. I am supportive of him running for Sheriff.”
“While it is difficult to leave a career you have grown to love, I feel the time is right both personally and professionally. I know in my heart it’s time for the next generation in leadership to take over and serve the citizens of our County. Thank you Bureau County for your continued support of not only me, but the men and women who carry out the mission of the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Jim Reed