Gary Caruana wants 4 more years as Winnebago County Sheriff. Here's why

ROCKFORD — Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana is hoping his accomplishments as sheriff will secure his reelection in November.

Caruana announced his plans to run again on Tuesday.

Caruana, 65, a Republican, defeated former shereriff's department Deputy Chief Bob Springer, a Democrat, in 2014 and again in 2018.

Caruana's background in law enforcement includes eight years as a Winnebago County Sheriff's deputy and over two decades in the corporate world as an executive for UPS overseeing security for Illinois facilities and working with state and federal law enforcement.

“We have accomplished much in the office of sheriff, and I am ready willing and able to continue to serve and protect our citizens," he said.

According to the sheriff, some of those accomplishments include:

Participation in the development of the Crisis Co-Responder Team, a joint venture between the Sheriff's Department, the Rockford and Loves Park Police departments and Rosecrance. The agencies work together and respond as a team to individuals in a mental health crisis.

The graduation of more than 40 county jail inmates from CNC TechWorks Training Program, a Rock Valley College program offered to inmates in the jail since December 2020.

The sheriff's department was also one of the first law enforcement agencies in the county to implement body cameras.

"I think that professionalizes law enforcement and holds everybody accountable." he said.

More: Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office receives national reaccreditation

“I am also proud of the good relationships that I have built with county board members and other countywide elected officials. Good communication and cooperation are the key components to making sure that we are all on the same page and working together in our combined effort to making our county safe for families and businesses."

The sheriff also said he has a good working relationship with other law enforcement agencies in the county, as well.

"Our deputies have received continual supervision and training and stand ready to enforce the laws and provide assistance to our law enforcement partners when they need it.”

Caruana, a Rockford resident, and his wife, Maria, have two daughters and three grandchildren.

The state's primary election is June 28. The general election will be held Nov. 8.

Chris Green: cgreen@rrstar.com; @chrisfgreen

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana announces plans for reelection