Two longtime lawmen announce bids for BC Sheriff

With the March 2014 primary election still more than a year away, two longtime area lawmen have announced their candidacy for Bureau County Sheriff.  They’re both Republicans.

Princeton Police Department retiree Allan Beaber is a 1971 graduate of Princeton High School. His wife, Terri is a native of Princeton and is the chief deputy clerk at the Bureau County Circuit Clerk’s Office.  They have two daughters.  His brother Kevin is a retired Bureau County Deputy.  Beaber served as a patrolman at the Princeton Police Department from 1976 to 1999, before being promoted to deputy chief, serving until 2012.  He was also the acting Princeton Police Chief while the current chief was deployed by the Army for two years.  Beaber says he feels he achieved a lot while with the Princeton Police Department but believes he still has a lot to give.  Beaber says he believes with his background and experience, he is a qualified candidate for Sheriff.

Also announcing his candidacy is Jim Shipp, Commander of the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office.  Ship was born and raised in Bureau County and attended Hall High School. He is married to the former Deb Anderson of Ohio, IL., and has three children.  Shipp began his law enforcement career in 1977 in the village of Bureau. He was hired by the Bureau County Sheriff’s Department in 1981.  In addition to working full-time at the sheriff’s office, Shipp has worked as a part-time patrolman for Bureau, where he still holds the title of chief of police; he has worked 15 years for the Village of DePue, with the rank of sergeant; and currently is in his sixth year as a patrolman for the Village of Tiskilwa.  Shipp says he has dedicated his life to public service for 35 years and is ready to serve the citizens of Bureau County as their Sheriff.