Kristopher "Kris" Tharp was an American law enforcement officer and politician serving as a member of the Illinois Senate from the 56th district. He assumed office on July 8, 2022, succeeding Rachelle Crowe.[2]
Kris Tharp | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Illinois Senate from the 56th district | |
| In office July 8, 2022 – January 11, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Rachelle Crowe |
| Succeeded by | Erica Harriss |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Wood River, Illinois |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Jaime Tharp[1] |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence | Bethalto, Illinois |
| Alma mater | Lindenwood University (B.S., M.S.) |
| Profession | Police officer |
Early life and education
editTharp was born and raised in Wood River, Illinois.[1] He earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in criminal justice administration from Lindenwood University.[3]
Career
editTharp began his career as a police officer in Berkeley and Overland, Missouri. He then joined the Madison County Sheriff's Office, serving as a deputy sheriff from 1999 to 2004, detective from 2004 to 2009, and sergeant from 2009 to 2011. From 2013 to 2015, he was an investigator for the Southern Illinois Child Death Investigation Task Force. From 2012 to 2020, he served as a lieutenant in the Madison County Sheriff's Office. In 2019, he was appointed to serve as a member of the Illinois Elder Abuse Task Force.[4] Tharp also served as a supervisor of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis and jail administrator in the Madison County Sheriff's Office. On July 8, 2022, Tharp was appointed to succeed Rachelle Crowe in the Illinois Senate after Crowe was confirmed as a United States attorney.[5]
Personal life
editTharp lives in Bethalto, Illinois, with his wife. He has two adult sons, Kameron and Tyler.[6]
References
edit- ^ a b Alpert, Lynn (2022-05-23). "Union-represented sheriff's captain to run for Senate if Crowe is confirmed as U.S. Attorney". The Labor Tribune. Retrieved 2022-07-09.
- ^ Cortes, Lexi (2022-07-08). "New state senator for parts of St. Clair, Madison counties talks about his top issues". Belleville News-Democrat. Retrieved 2022-07-10.
- ^ "Senator Kris Tharp (D) 56th District". Illinois General Assembly. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
- ^ "Bethalto's Kris Tharp sworn in to represent Illinois 56th Senate District". Illinois Business Journal. Retrieved 2022-07-09.
- ^ Gvillo, Heather Isringhausen. "Rachelle Crowe confirmed as U.S. Attorney for IL Southern District; Kris Tharp to run for state senate against Harriss". Madison - St. Clair Record. U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform. Retrieved 2022-07-09.
- ^ "Sheriff's Office Captain Kris Tharp Sworn In To Represent 56th District As State Senator". RiverBender.com. Retrieved 2022-07-09.