Galena, Illinois – March 13, 2026 – The Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office today announced the retirement of Sheriff Craig A. Ketelsen, effective Sunday, March 15, 2026. Sheriff Ketelsen, who has served the county with distinction for 28 years, is stepping down to accept a position as a special agent with the Illinois Gaming Board, a long-desired career opportunity at the state level.

The retirement comes earlier than originally planned. Sheriff Ketelsen had not filed for reelection and intended to complete his current term through the end of 2026. However, the unexpected availability of the state position prompted the accelerated transition. “I had every intention of fulfilling this term, but this position is the one I wanted when I retired, and it came open earlier than expected,” Ketelsen stated in recent interviews with local media outlets.

In a formal statement released by the office, Sheriff Ketelsen expressed profound gratitude for his tenure:

“It has been my privilege to serve Jo Daviess County for the past 28 years, and to finish my career as your Sheriff. The people of this county are some of the best people I have ever met, and I was very lucky to be able to live here, raise a family here, and serve here. I am grateful for the support our communities have for their law enforcement, and I know the men and women who serve you feel an immense appreciation for that as well. These men and women exemplify courage, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the people they serve every single day, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to stand alongside them.

Please know that your county government and departments work very hard for you every single day. I have seen firsthand the dedication and professionalism from our county elected officials, department heads, employees, and Board, and I assure you that, not only are they extremely competent in their positions, they also take great pride in getting it right for you. Our county is better because of them.

Serving the citizens of Jo Daviess County has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I will always be grateful for the trust you placed in me and in this office. I have complete confidence that the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office will continue to serve this county with pride and excellence for many years to come.”

To ensure seamless continuity in leadership and operations, the Jo Daviess County Board convened on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, and voted to appoint Chief Deputy Klaus D. Kretschmer to assume the office of Sheriff, effective Monday, March 16, 2026. Chief Deputy Kretschmer has served under Sheriff Ketelsen in a senior leadership capacity and brings extensive experience in the department’s day-to-day functions, including law enforcement, jail operations, emergency communications, court security, and specialized services such as water patrol, canine units, and narcotics investigations.

The Sheriff’s Office, headquartered at 330 N. Bench Street in Galena, Illinois, operates under the guiding motto of “Honor, Duty and Integrity.” It provides comprehensive public safety services to unincorporated areas of the county while supporting municipal agencies and addressing regional needs in this scenic, historic, and rural northwestern Illinois community.

Sheriff Ketelsen’s 28-year career encompassed significant evolutions in policing practices, community engagement, and response to local challenges. His departure represents the close of a notable chapter in Jo Daviess County law enforcement history, while the prompt appointment of Sheriff Kretschmer underscores the stability and collaborative spirit between the Sheriff’s Office and county government.

The office remains fully committed to its mission of protecting and serving the residents of Jo Daviess County during this transition and beyond.

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