Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Steven Knispel, a lieutenant in the sheriff's department, announced his intentions to run for sheriff of Kosciusko County.
Knispel is the third candidate to throw his name into the ring for next year's election that will end the tenure of Al Rovenstine, the longest-serving lawman to head the department in the county's history.
With the growing field of candidates, Knispel said it was important for him to let the public know of his intentions, but said an active campaign that will include proposals for change will not begin until after
Christmas .
Knispel said any proposals he might make now could be viewed as criticisms of the department and make his day-to-day job difficult.
"It's just not a good idea right now to armchair quarterback," said Knispel, who has been with the department 14 years.
"I believe it's a little premature to get into the heat of the campaign," he said.
But he offered a hint of his campaign's focus.
"The biggest issue facing the county is expansion of the jail and its communications capability," Knispel said.
The jail is overcrowded. The county looked at expansion a few years ago and continues to look at options.
The county is also facing the replacement of its emergency 911 dispatching center and might look to work with the city of Warsaw on the issue.
"There are a lot of issues that will come out in the election and there will be a good choice for the voters to look at each individual," Knispel said.
"I believe I have the qualifications and the experience and the knowledge to go forward and I believe the voters will bear me out on that."
Knispel was born in Fort Wayne and moved with his family to Syracuse in 1972. He worked for the Syracuse Police Department for four years before joining the sheriff's department in 1983
Knispel joins Det. Sgt Sam Whitaker as the two Republican candidates for sheriff. Democrat Glenn C. Canter, a deputy with experience in Michigan and Noble County, announced his bid last week.
The primary election is May 5.
