Kurt Schneider launches campaign to be Ashland County Sheriff
Kurt Schneider has entered the race to become Ashland County's next sheriff.
His campaign launched during an event at the Ashland County Sheriff's Annex on Tuesday.
Schneider has 26 years of experience in public safety, which includes 13 years as an Ashland County Sheriff's deputy, according to a news release.
He and his wife, Candice, own a small business, Ashland Drive Thru II and Car Wash.
According to his LinkedIn account, Schneider retired from Ashland County Sheriff's Office in 2016. He now works for Benson Fire & Safety Consulting as a fire origin and cause investigator.
Support from the community
At the event, Ashland business owner Jim Bayerl said, according to the release, "Kurt has always cared about his neighbors and community. He's exactly what we need in our next sheriff."
Keith Loreno, retired police and assistant State Fire Marshal chief, introduced Schneider at the event and spoke about his years as an investigator, noting "Kurt Schneider is a decorated investigator who has saved lives and solved crimes. Ashland County will be lucky to have Kurt as its next sheriff."
"The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office has always been a beacon of trust in this community and I will work hard every day to continue that tradition," Schneider said.
One of Schneider's priorities if he becomes sheriff is to return 9-1-1 dispatch to the county.
"Never again will any man, woman, or child in their moment of need have to hear, 'Please hold while I transfer you,' Schneider said at the campaign launch.
Schneider has not yet filed a petition with Ashland County's Board of Elections.
He is expected to face fellow candidate Chad Enderby, who has 29 years of service with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Enderby, who has taken out a petition at the election board office, currently works as a deputy at the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office.
Schneider's announcement comes just months after the current Ashland County Sheriff, E. Wayne Risner, announced his plans to retire from his position.
Risner announced on the Ashland County Sheriff's Facebook page in July he will continue to serve until the end of his term, January 2025. He is considered the longest serving sheriff in Ashland County and joined the Ashland County Sheriff's Office as a corrections officer and shift supervisor in 1990.
This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Kurt Schneider is running for Ashland County sheriff
