Crime & Safety

Watch: Baird Makes Kendall Sheriff's Candidacy Official

Lifelong Oswego resident says it's time for a new leadership.

Oswego Police Chief Dwight Baird made official Saturday what’s long been rumored. The lifelong Oswego resident is running for Kendall County Sheriff.

Baird made the announcement on the steps of the Kendall County Courthouse to a crowd of about 100 supporters, including Oswego Village President Brian LeClercq, Village Trustee Judy Sollinger and Kendall County Coroner Ken Toftoy.

In his announcement Baird touted his long record of public service in law enforcement, and alluded to several recent incidents involving the Sheriff’s Office or its deputies that have brought negative attention to the department. 

Find out what's happening in Oswegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Our new sheriff should be accountable to the citizens of Kendall County and should hold others accountable,” Baird said.  “ … Our new sheriff needs to create a culture that demands respectful treatment of others and respectful treatment of their co-workers.”

Baird touted his history of financial management while at the helm in Oswego, saying his department spends on average 18 percent less than towns of similar size to protect its citizens. He also noted that crime the crime rate has dropped about 24 percent since he took over the department 10 years ago.

Find out what's happening in Oswegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Baird is not the first to jump into the race for sheriff. Plano Police Chief Steve Eaves has said he also plans to run for sheriff. Whether current sheriff Richard Randall decides to seek re-election is not yet clear. He has been sheriff since 1986.

Baird is a graduate of Oswego High School, Aurora University and has a master’s degree from Western Illinois University. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.