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Lillywhite sworn in as interim sheriff
By: Mike Stiles - Wednesday, January 22, 2020

CENTREVILLE – It may sound cliché, but there's a new Sheriff in town.

Tuesday afternoon, Mark Lillywhite was sworn in as the interim St. Joseph County Sheriff. Brad Balk, who has served as Sheriff for 11 years, announced in November 2019 that he would be retiring January 31 of 2020.

Lillywhite was selected last month to finish Balk's term by a three person committee. That term runs until December 31, 2020.

Following the ceremony, Lillywhite shared he was humbled and overwhelmed, but was ready to start his new duties. He says the administrative team he has assembled is ready to move forward and serve the citizens of St. Joseph County.

The administrative team will be made up of Jason Bingaman who will be the new Undersheriff; T.J. Baker who will be moved to Captain of the Road Patrol; Erin Goff will be the new Emergency Manager and Kitty Buchner will continue as the Jail Administrator.

Lillywhite says serving as Undersheriff for 11 years gives him a leg up as he moves into the Sheriff's position. He says he and Bingaman have a good grasp on how the Department runs which will make it a seamless transition.

Lillywhite says there will be some changes coming to the Department in the next few months.



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