Steve Egan: Candidate Profile

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Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: JolietWebsite: http://www.eganforsheriff.com/Office sought: Will County Sheriff Age: 61Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: Lieutenant at Will County Sheriff's OfficeEducation: Joliet Junior College; Joliet, IL -Law EnforcementLewis University; Romeoville, IL -Criminal JusticeGovernor's State University; University Park, IL -Criminal Justice Northwestern University; Chicago, IL -Graduate of NU School of Staff and CommandCivic involvement: United Cerebral Palsy (UCP Prairieland Illinois)Will Count ABATEJoliet Lion's ClubElected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoQuestions Answers Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is that?The Will County Sheriff's department has grown stagnant and is in drastic need of experienced, effective new leadership. This stagnation has led to the ineffective utilization of limited resources which translates into less protection for the residents of the county. I will reorganize and streamline the department so it allows the hardworking deputies and staff to better serve our fellow citizens. I will introduce new and effective programs to combat crime such as my Heroin Interdiction Team (HIT) which I call my "HIT Squad." A restructured department, and programs like HIT, will help me accomplish my number one goal, making the citizens of Will County not only feel safer, but actually be safer.What differentiates you most from your opponents in the race?In addition to my sincere desire to truly better serve the residents of Will County it is my experience and background that sets me apart.* I am currently the top-ranked, senior Lieutenant at the Will County Sheriff's Department. I am the shift commander overnight which means I essentially run the department county-wide and everyone answers to me. I guess you might say I'm already the "Night Sheriff."* I have the most years on the job in law enforcement compared to the other candidates. I've been a cop since I was 21 years old, essentially my entire adult life.* Frankly, I am not a retired law enforcement official looking to pad my pension or double-dip.* I bring experience in every aspect of the Sheriff's department, from the streets up to top command. I have patrolled the county and supervise those that patrol it. I've supervised jail operations and investigative units. I've served on special tactical units including the Metropolitan Area Narcotics Squad (MANS) and the Hostage Negotiation Team. I've seen it all, done it all and want to take the Will County Sheriff's department to the next level.What are your thoughts about the idea of having municipal police departments patrol unincorporated areas?Under current Illinois law municipal departments are restricted by their jurisdictional boundaries. However, in the case of any emergency situation they may stretch beyond their boundaries when such authority is granted to them by the Sheriff's Office. It's no secret that in this economy everyone is doing more with less, including the police. It's important that we work together wherever possible to maximize our limited resources. I will foster and increase these inter-departmental relationships to better serve the citizens so that everybody is a winner.Finally, is there anything we haven't asked about that you feel we should know?In addition to being a dedicated police officer for over 30 years I am also a father and lifelong resident of Will County. I know and understand what my fellow citizens want. I want to do my best to give them what they deserve.