Bill Elliotte announces plans to run for sheriff

Corbin Police Department School Resource Officer Bill Elliotte announced Sunday that he will be running for Whitley County Sheriff in the 2022 election.

The Whitley County High School alum primarily works out of Corbin Middle School.

Elliotte began his career in law enforcement in 1991 as a deputy with the Campbell County Tennessee Sheriff’s Department. In 1996, Elliotte joined Kentucky State Police, working his way from trooper to sergeant and then to lieutenant. Elliotte retired from the state police in 2018.

Elliotte has a bachelor’s degree in Police Administration from Eastern Kentucky University.

“My desire is to use my 30 plus years of law enforcement experience and training to continue serving the people of Whitley County,” Elliotte said in announcing his decision.

Elliotte said he will have an open-door policy with churches, businesses and individuals to meet and discuss any issue.

“What may seem like a small issue to some, may be a big issue to you,” Elliotte said. “I will commit to listen to your concerns and help in any way possible.”

Elliotte said he has seen a growing divide among the law enforcement agencies that serve Whitley County.

“It would be my desire to unite our departments and work together once again,” Elliotte said. “We should be able to call on each other and work together for the betterment of the citizens of our county. When agencies do not work together, the people of our county suffer.”

The filing period for the May primary election runs from November 3 to January 7.

Whitley County Clerk Carolyn Willis said all county offices will be on the ballot with the exception of Circuit Court Clerk and Commonwealth’s Attorney.

Those offices are elected for six-year terms.

In addition, state representative, congressman and the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Rand Paul will appear.

Willis said candidates will file to run for office through the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office and then complete the filing process by bringing the paperwork and $50 filing fee to her office.