Ila Mae Speck, sheriff of Clinton County, doesn’t wear a badge. She’ll always consider the job to be her husband’s. She took over the duties after her husband Gordon, 57, who was serving his third term as sheriff, passed away after a brief bout with cancer. She buried his badge with him.
Speck was appointed sheriff by Judge Executive Donnie McWhorter for the last three-and-one-half months of her husband’s term. Kentucky Constitution states that the spouse of an elected official can succeed office in the death of that official.
Gordon was in his twelfth year of office and was running for re-election. He had already won the primary and was the Democratic candidate for the November county elections.
Actual law enforcement is controlled by three other deputy sheriffs. For now, Speck fulfills the duties with strong-willed determination.
On the office wall are photos, memories of family. A reserved Ila Mae gathers her thoughts of what has to be done tomorrow. She is alone to herself, she is alone by herself.