Padilla announces run for sheriff

 Chief Deputy James “Jim” Padilla (R-Kewanee) is a candidate for Henry County Sheriff in the Feb. 2, 2010, Republican Primary.  Padilla is a lifelong resident of Henry County.

 He graduated from Kewanee High School in 1972, attended Black Hawk College, and joined the Kewanee police department. While there he worked on patrol and, later, as an undercover narcotics officer assigned to the Quad Cities Metropolitan Enforcement Group (MEG).

 After eight years of service to his hometown police department, Padilla moved over to the Henry County Sheriff’s office in 1984.

 In 1989, Padilla was promoted to Investigations, where he would serve for the next 17 years. 

 He helped found the Children’s Advocacy Center in Cambridge in 1999, and he helped train police how to interview children about crimes.

  In 2006, Padilla was promoted to Chief Deputy Sheriff, a position he holds today. He he helps lead and manage all employees and assets of the sheriff’s office.

 Padilla said, “As Henry County Sheriff, I will make sure our department continues to have the resources and personnel to keep our children and families safe, and work to prevent child abuse in Henry County, and arrest and seek prosecution of those who commit crimes against all of our citizens.”

 The announcement was made Saturday, May 30, at Northeast Park in Kewanee.

 Padilla, 55, is married to Jan (Nelson) Padilla, formerly of Orion. He is the father of Jimmy Padilla, 26, and the late Haley Padilla (1977-93). He is also the stepfather of Jordan, Rylee and Ryan.