Jim Reilly is alarmed by the increase in heroin and opioid found in Will County and bringing an end to the epidemic would be his top priority as sheriff, he said.
“Overdoses, deaths, and property crimes have increased drastically in recent years right here in Will,” Reilly told the Will County Gazette. “These drugs were nearly nonexistent in our communities 10 years ago, but are now being found everywhere, including our high schools, on a regular basis.”
Reilly, a Republican, is running to unseat Mike Kelley and has been endorsed by retired Will County Sheriff Paul Kaupas and Elwood Police Chief Fred Hayes.
Jim Reilly
Noting his prior experience, which includes serving on the Joliet Police Department in the organized crime and drug enforcement unit, Reilly said his past success fighting against the dangers of drugs will help to create a better future for Will County.
“I will use my narcotics background and relationships with local and federal agencies to create an in-house narcotics unit, which will be specialized in combating the heroin and opioid epidemic,” Reilly said.
The introduction of an in-house narcotics unit could enable the Will County Sheriff’s Department to concentrate on drug dealers within Will County, as well as trafficking organizations who transport large-scale narcotics into the area, he said.
“My administration will aggressively target the drug dealers who victimize users and cause the devastating loss of loved ones due to overdose deaths,” Reilly said.
Alerts Sign-up