Eight people are seeking the office of sheriff of Kosciusko County in hopes of replacing the man who's held the position longer than anyone in county history.

Sheriff Al Rovenstine's retirement has prompted an outpouring of interest unseen recently in local politics.

Candidates include five Republicans and three Democrats.

Republicans include:

Mike Hobbs, 52, a former Leesburg town marshal who has nearly 20 years experience with the sheriff's department. He is a patrol sergeant and has advocated elimination of the buddy system that dominates the department structure. He lives in Milford.

Steve Knispel, 40, a lieutenant in the sheriff's department, has cast himself as the conservative choice in the election. He has been with the department for 19 years. Prior to that he worked with the Syracuse Police Department. He wants to streamline the detective division to focus on felony investigations. He also wants to increase patrols in high crime areas. He lives in Syracuse.

Wally Knox, 51, of Claypool. Knox, formerly employed with Warsaw Police Department, on Thursday endorsed candidate Sam Whitaker and urged supporters to do the same. He was employed with Warsaw Police Department for 14 years before leaving five years ago in a battle with cancer.

Aaron Rovenstine, 38, of Atwood. Rovenstine hopes to replace his father as sheriff, saying he wants to continue a tradition set forth by his father. He advocates computerization of all patrol vehicles and expansion of the summer boot camp for juveniles. Rovenstine has been a patrolman with the department for eight years and was formerly employed with Milford Police.

Sam Whitaker, 47, of Warsaw, is a detective sergeant and has been with the sheriff's department for 18 years. Whitaker has advocated restructuring the department and establishing a juvenile officer and an arson investigation officer. He also supports computers in patrol vehicles. He lives in Warsaw.

Democrats include:

Ron Barley, 57, a resident of the Warsaw area, has prior police experience in Marion. He has also worked as a bounty hunter and security guard. He says the department is understaffed.

Jeff Bronsing, 49, of Syracuse, has been with the sheriff's department for 25 years. He is advocating improved patrols and the use of community policing. He is one of several candidates who say they'll upgrade the department's communications system.

Glenn Canter, 53, is a resident of the North Webster area who has police experience in Michigan and briefly with the Noble County Sheriff Department. Canter advocates several changes, including an expanded use of reserves, but did not attend three public forums for sheriff candidates. [[In-content Ad]]