HANDY MAKES BID for Scott County Sheriff
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
CALEB HANDY
By Carmen Ensinger
Former Winchester Police Officer and Scott County Sheriff’s Deputy, Caleb Handy, has announced his candidacy on the Republican ticket for Scott County Sheriff for the upcoming election in 2026.
Handy began his career in law enforcement in Ashland in 2008 where he worked part time for two years. He then began a career in the Illinois Department of Corrections that same year. He is currently a Sergeant with that department.
“I moved to Scott County in 2016 after receiving a part time job with the Winchester Police Department,” Handy said. “Shortly after, I became a deputy for the Scott County Sheriff’s Office.”
Handy transitioned from a part time officer to full-time officer in 2018 and completed the transition course to achieve his full-time law enforcement certificate for the State of Illinois.
“I continued to work tirelessly for the Winchester Police Department full-time while working full time for the Department of Corrections for two years,” Handy said. “However, it was a hard decision, but I stepped down from full-time employment with Winchester PD due to having two young children at home always asking when I was going to be home. I did continue part-time for Winchester PD and the Scott County Sheriff’s Office at this time.”
Then, in 2020, he took on the role as Winchester Chief of Police.
“I did this on a part-time basis for two years with three children at home and still working for the Department of Corrections,” Handy said. “I stepped down from that role due to not being able to dedicate the time needed for the role.”
Handy said he doesn’t see any conflicts if elected Scott County Sheriff.
“If I am elected as the Scott County Sheriff, I will be able to take a leave of absence from the Department of Corrections,” he said. “Then, I can give the County my full attention as long as I am elected Sheriff.”
Handy said one of his goals is to continue the excellent job that current Sheriff, Tom Eddinger, who recently announced he would not be seeking a third term as Scott County Sheriff, has done with community policing.
“I would like to bring programs into the community that would assist both the citizens and the Scott County Sheriff’s Office,” he said. “I do believe in being out there and making ourselves seen and being proactive. Our County has been and always will be a great community that people will strive for the best and people will try to duplicate.”
Handy said the State has made it hard for law enforcement to do their jobs.
“I would like to use this position to try to rectify that in any way possible while keeping our County safe,” Handy said. “I would also like to remind people that there are a lot of things that do not fly in small communities.”
Handy is married to Jessica Handy and they have four wonderful children, ages 12, 10, 4 and 1, that Handy said have grown and will continue to grow in Scott County. They are also hosting a foreign exchange student from Finland.
“I would like to thank my wife and other friends that have encouraged me to try to take this role and better myself and the Scott County community,” Handy said. “If there are any questions, please let me know. I will be more than happy to answer them in a message, on the phone or in person. Please do not hesitate to reach out.”
There will be a Campaign and Coffee with Caleb at Rural Cyclery in Winchester on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. where folks can meet Handy, ask questions and enjoy free coffee and donuts.
