Booker announces candidacy: Whiteside County sergeant makes a bid for sheriff

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MORRISON – Surrounded by family and friends, Whiteside County Patrol Sgt. John Booker on Tuesday announced his bid for the Democratic nomination for Whiteside County sheriff in 2010.

Video: John Booker bids for sheriff.

Booker, 42, lives in Rock Falls. The current sheriff, Kelly Wilhelmi, is a Republican who was appointed last year to replace retiring Sheriff Roger Schipper. Wilhelmi has said he plans to run next year but has yet to announce his candidacy formally.

Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline, introduced Booker at Tuesday's announcement.

Jacobs, too, had been appointed to his seat, but has since been elected four times.

“I think it’s important you kick the tires; it’s not enough for someone to be appointed to office,” Jacobs said. “I think it’s important voters kick the tires and have a real good look to see who has been appointed and compare the candidates.”

Booker has been a patrol officer in the county for 18 years, working for the Rock Falls, Tampico, Prophetstown and Morrison police departments.

“We need someone who has the background and experience of being on the streets, understanding what’s happening on the community level with citizens,” Jacobs said. “It’s one thing to be an administrator and to be appointed. But it’s another thing to be an elected sheriff.”

Booker is trained and has experience handling hazardous materials, as well as accident and DUI investigations. He is the leader of the county’s Emergency Response Team and has received training through the Department of Homeland Security.

He supports the major crime task force that was resurrected after a local murder spree last summer, and the Mendota High School graduate also wants to form a Street Crime Enforcement Unit to concentrate on problem areas in the county and to target gang and drug activity.

“We need a sheriff who sees the big picture,” Booker said. “One who understands that there is more than one way in which to confront crime and make our community safe. One who understands how important it is to be tough and unforgiving toward the gangs and drugs infiltrating our streets, but who also understands the importance of extending a more compassionate hand to someone who is down on her luck and who, with just a little help, can become a productive member of society.”

Rick Cavazos is vice chairman of the Whiteside County Democrats, which already has endorsed Booker.

Booker is a Democratic precinct committeeman, Cavazos said.

“Right now, there is no incumbent in office,” he said. "It’s an opportunity for the Democrats."

The John Booker file

Age: 42

Employment: Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department patrol sergeant. He has been a police officer in Rock Falls, Morrison, Prophetstown and Tampico. He is a county Emergency Response Team leader, a juvenile officer and a field training officer.

Awards: He has been named Officer of the Year, Deputy of the Year and Top Cop.

Education: 1985 Mendota High School graduate. Will obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice in fall 2010 from St. Ambrose University.

Family: He has a son, Brandyn, 19, and daughter, Kaylyn, 13. He is engaged to Jennifer Bardoner, of Sterling, who has a daughter, Darien, 13.