MOUNT VERNON — A long-serving member of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office is seeking to become the county’s next sheriff.
Forty-eight-year-old David Shaffer of Fredericktown has filed petitions with the Knox County Board of Elections to run as a Republican candidate for the office of Knox County Sheriff on the March 6, 2012, primary election.
Shaffer, who has over 24 years of continuous full-time law enforcement service in Knox County, joined the Knox County Sheriff’s Office in 1993 as a patrol deputy and K-9 handler. Prior to joining the sheriff’s office he served over six years as a patrolman with the Fredericktown Police Department. He has served as a patrol division sergeant, civil process and patrol division lieutenant, division commander, and Tactical Response Unit team leader.
In 2010, Shaffer was promoted to his current rank of captain. As second in command of the Sheriff’s Office, his duties include administrative functions including budgeting, personnel management, labor relations and collective bargaining. He serves on several community boards and committees. He has received awards from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the National Sheriff’s Association.
Shaffer spent 18 years as a volunteer with the Fredericktown Community Fire District and is a charter member of the Knox County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge.
He and his wife, Diana, have two daughters.
“I am running for sheriff because I believe in the agency and its people. I think that it is our responsibility to work with the citizens to enhance the quality of life in Knox County,” said Shaffer.
