WOODFORD COUNTY, Ill. – The top law enforcement officer in Woodford County plans to leave the role when his current term ends.
Sheriff Matt Smith announced on Tuesday that he will not seek re-election next year, and is endorsing Chief Deputy Dennis Tipsword.
Tipsword is the current State Representative for the 105th District, and he also announced his candidacy for Sheriff, instead of another term in the State House.
Smith has been in law enforcement for more than 30 years; 18 in the Woodford County Sheriff’s Office, and 11 of those years as Chief Deputy.
In a statement, Smith says the decision was not easy because of the relationships and friendships built over the years.
Smith and Tipsword have said they both will finish out their current terms.
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