MOUNT VERNON — The Knox County Sheriff’s Office has a new second in command. Sheriff David Barber has promoted 46-year-old Lt. David C. Shaffer of Fredericktown to the position of captain. Barber describes Shaffer as a well-respected, forward-thinking, proven leader who is the future of the sheriff’s office.

Shaffer joined the sheriff’s office in September 1993 after serving as a police officer for the Fredericktown Police Department for over six years. At the sheriff’s office, he has held the positions of patrol deputy, K-9 handler, Tactical Response Unit Team Leader, Patrol Division sergeant and most recently lieutenant in charge of the Patrol and Civil Process & Records Division.

A graduate of Fredericktown High School, Shaffer completed his basic Ohio Peace Officer Training through the Knox County Career Center. He has completed extensive advanced training including management and supervision, tactical response, civil process, incident command, community policing and leadership.

He is a longtime member of the Fredericktown Community Fire District where he holds the rank of lieutenant. He and his wife, Diane, have two daughters.

As captain, Shaffer will be in charge of the sheriff’s office in Barber’s absence and will continue as commander of the Patrol and Civil Process & Records Divisions.