Editor, Times-Union: I currently live in Green River, Wyo.; however I was born in Warsaw and also worked there. I still have family and friends living in the county so naturally I keep in touch with the happenings in Kosciusko County. As elections approach I have been following the race for Kosciusko County sheriff. I would like to give you a little background information so that you know the reasons I felt compelled to write this letter. I graduated from Indiana State University with a degree in criminology and that led me to employment with the Warsaw Police Department, the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department and the United States Secret Service. While working in law enforcement I have had the opportunity to work closely with hundreds of police agencies, not only in the United States, but with agencies outside the United States. Because I have worked with law enforcement officers from numerous states and nationalities, my experience has given me a better than average perspective of the qualities required of a truly exceptional law enforcement officer. I have watched the positive growth of the KCSD over the past 20 years and I know that it can be attributed in no small part to the leadership of Aaron Rovenstine. Of all the law enforcement officers I have worked with, including both federal and state officers, I have met only a select few who possess the necessary qualities to be called a truly elite law enforcement officer. Aaron most definitely falls into this category. He has worked tirelessly over the past 24 years to improve the KCSD to make it the best law enforcement agency possible, not only for the employees, but most importantly for the citizens of Kosciusko County. Although I did enjoy my time in federal law enforcement and do not regret my decision to work in the federal system; with hindsight being 20/20, and because of Aaron’s stellar leadership, it is now that I wished that I had foregone my career in federal law enforcement and continued my employment with the KCSD. I keep in close contact with Aaron and I have never known him to make a decision based solely for political purposes. The decisions Aaron made during his eight years as sheriff, though not always easy, have all been based on what was best for the citizens of Kosciusko County and his employees. Aaron has not played the political game and jumped from job to job for his benefit; although I am sure he has had more than one opportunity to do so. His honesty and loyalty to the citizens of Kosciusko County have prevented him from seeking employment elsewhere. These attributes are two of Aaron’s many qualities that make him an elite law enforcement officer and additionally have led to my great respect for him as a leader and as a person. My sons are nearly out of high school and will soon be moving on with the next chapter in their lives. My wife and I have no ties to Green River and we plan on moving back to Kosciusko County in the near future to be close to family and friends. I would feel much better knowing that I am residing in a county with a sheriff at the helm who is experienced, loyal, trustworthy and honest. I would urge you to vote Aaron Rovenstine for Kosciusko County sheriff. Joe Clingenpeel Green River, Wyo., via email
