West Central Reporter

Sheriff David Greenwood is committed to serving and protecting the citizens of Pike County.

“My goal is to lead the Pike County Sheriff’s Department in providing outstanding law enforcement and services provided that are expected by the citizens of Pike County,” Greenwood told West Central Reporter. “As with anything that is given to someone for their care, it should be returned better than when it was originally entrusted to you. This is what I aspire to do in my leadership of the Pike County Sheriff’s Department.”

Greenwood has worked for the Pike County Sheriff’s Department for almost two decades. He was elected sheriff in November 2018 and was sworn into office in December.

Pike County Sheriff David Greenwood

“My short time as sheriff has been outstanding, busy and again busy,” Greenwood said. “I have a great staff who make it a pleasure to come to work every day and I serve a great county.”

Greenwood’s favorite part of his job is helping people in unfamiliar and scary situations.

“When you are elected sheriff in Pike County, you are also elected coroner,” he said. “Obviously, this is a position that takes serious compassion in dealing with people in their most vulnerable times. There is a satisfaction in knowing one has helped another through a horrible or tragic time in their life.”

Greenwood was born in Pittsfield and grew up in Chatham. He moved to California after high school and attended Coastline Community College and the California School of Contractors to purse a career in the industrial electrical field. His pursuit of the law enforcement field occurred after he moved back to Illinois in 1999 and upon answering an ad for an open position at the Pike County Sheriff’s Department.

“At that time, I never thought that I may be elected sheriff one day,” Greenwood said. “I was just making my way in a career that I came to love.”

Prior to becoming Pike County Sheriff, Greenwood served as Pike County Emergency Management Agency Director from 2010 to 2015. He also was a criminal sexual assault and child abuse investigator for around eight years.

“I have always admired law enforcement as a child and as I grew into an adult,” Greenwood said. “My grandfather was a Pike County Sheriff’s Deputy when he was a young man.”

In his spare time, Greenwood loves spending time with his family, playing the drums, golfing, fishing and turkey hunting. He is also passionate about his Christian faith.