Craig Kennedy

Craig Kennedy

Employment and education: 

Craig is a 1981 graduate from LLCC. His 26 year career as a law enforcement officer started as an investigator in 1990. He has worked for the Illinois State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor’s Office, the Springfield Park District Police, served as bureau chief for the Bureau of Criminal Investigations for the Illinois Department of Revenue and have been a police officer at the Village of Jerome and now the village’s chief of police for the past three years.

Prior to his law enforcement career, Craig was a news reporter for WICS Newschannel 20 in Springfield, covering the courts and crime area.

How has Lincoln Land Community College impacted your life? 

I loved LLCC when I began the fall of 1977! I was treated like an adult and enjoyed taking classes. I began part time then in 1980 as a full time student. I have so many credit hours in so many different areas ... business, automotive and law enforcement.

What is your greatest accomplishment(s)? 

Being a good husband and father of two great young men. Professionally, it has been serving my community as a law enforcement officer. Teaching new officers, speaking with children and parents, assisting fellow officers and being a part of our community.

Was there a professor, advisor, staff member or fellow student who made an impression on you or helped you when you were here at LLCC? 

First Virgil Rhodes, the very first class I was a student in was Business Law 101. He was such a great instructor, fun, funny and knowledgeable about the law. Ivan Wright was the heart of the law enforcement program at LLCC. We are still in contact with each other today! College President Dr. Poorman, Vice President Jim Forestall and Student Activities Advisor Melinda Carlson were all great role models for me.

Has Lincoln Land been a part of your family tradition? 

Our son Cole is planning on attending LLCC in the fall. Additionally, my brother Robert attended and graduated from LLCC. He went on to work for the Illinois Secretary of State Police and retired in 2013 after 26 years of service with the last nine years on the Executive Protection Unit.

What did you like about LLCC or what is your favorite LLCC memory?

The campus was new in 1977! My best friend Ken Baumgarten and I attended LLCC at the same time. Ken was vice president of the Student Senate in 1979-1980. We had a great time! I was president of the Student Senate from 1980-1981 and alumni president in the mid-to-late 80s.

Is there anything else that you would like to share? 

While teaching at from 1990-1995 at LLCC, I was able to meet and teach a large number of police officers. Kenny Winslow, the current chief of police for the Springfield Police Department was one of my students.