Dixon PD’s Clay Whelan will run for Lee County sheriff

DIXON - Dozens of community members came to give their support for Dixon police Lt. Clay Whelan as he announced his campaign for Lee County sheriff on Wednesday.

Whelan, who has served 27 years with the Dixon Police Department, greeted a crowd of around 60 people on the north lawn of the Old Lee County Courthouse during an unseasonably warm December afternoon.

He spoke about having the experience, work ethic and passion to fit the job, as well as, his commitment to build on the professionalism and respect of the office under Sheriff John Simonton.

Simonton, a Republican, announced his plans not to seek a third term Friday. He was elected in 2014 and will see out his term to Nov. 30, 2022, marking 8 years in office and 40 in law enforcement.

In the announcement he also endorsed Whelan as successor.

“I have had the opportunity to work with Clay prior to, during and after my tenure with the Dixon Police Department,” Simonton said. “He is the consummate professional and will continue to work with the command team of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, providing a seamless transition.”

Whelan said he is committed to excellence, transparency and community relationships, and that “collaboration and cooperation” are key.

Former Dixon High School Resource Officer Mark Dallas, who thwarted the school shooting in 2016 and received national, state and local praise, said Whelan is a friend, a proven leader, and a mentor.

Dallas described Whelan as a “cop’s cop” who earned his reputation as a professional.

“You will not find a finer officer in Illinois than Clay Whelan,” said Dallas, who’s also Whelan’s campaign manager.

Whelan joined the Dixon Police Department on Jan. 2, 1995, as a patrol officer. In March of 1997, he was assigned to the Detective Division until his promotion to sergeant on Jan. 1, 2000.

Whelan worked as a patrol sergeant for 6 months and then returned to the Detective Division as detective sergeant until December 2002. On June 5, 2003, Whelan was promoted to lieutenant, and he assumed the position of field services lieutenant.

In June 2008, Whelan became the investigations lieutenant, responsible for overseeing and leading five investigators, two school resource officers and the civilian staff of the police department.

He previously served on the Department’s tactical response team, and is an active member of the SCUBA team.

Whelan is the first to announce a candidacy for sheriff, and he will be under the Republican ballot during the primary election June 28.

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Dixon Police Lieutenant Clay Whelan announces Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 his candidacy to run for Lee County Sheriff. (Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@shawmedia.com)