Randy Sanders sworn into office as Highland County sheriff

A minute after midnight on Saturday, June 1, Highland County will have a new sheriff for the first time since 2014, with Randy Sanders sworn into office during a ceremony Friday afternoon in the Highland County Juvenile/Probate Courtroom.

Highland County Juvenile and Probate Court Judge Kevin Greer administered the oath of office to Sanders, while the new sheriff’s wife, Debbie, held the family Bible. The Bible contained handwritten notes from another former officeholder in the family: Sheriff Sanders’ mother, the late Betty Bishop, who was the first female mayor of Hillsboro and first female city manager of Greenfield.

As previously reported, longtime Highland County Sheriff Donnie Barrera announced his early retirement effective May 31, after over 30 years at the HCSO and just shy of a decade as sheriff.

Highland County commissioners voted Wednesday, May 29 “to appoint Randy Sanders as acting sheriff, effective beginning June 1 at 12:01 a.m., and lasting until such time as the Republican Central Committee fills the vacancy in the office of Sheriff, as permitted by Ohio law. Said appointment shall not last longer than 45 days from the beginning of this appointment.”

“I appreciate it,” Sanders told commissioners. “I understand it's a new direction for me. I’ll do it to the best of my ability.”

Sanders is the Republican nominee for sheriff and lone candidate on the ballot this fall. The Highland County Republican Central Committee is expected to meet in the coming weeks to also appoint Sanders as sheriff.

In the March 19 primary, Sanders won the Republican race for sheriff, defeating former HCSO chief deputy Brandon Stratton (whose employment has since been terminated). No Democratic or independent candidates filed to run.

Sanders has served as Chief Investigator of the Highland County Task Force, working with the Highland County Prosecutor’s Office with a focus on drug investigations, since 2019. His 40-year career in law enforcement has also included serving with the Hillsboro Police Department, Highland County Sheriff's Office, Southwest Regional Drug Unit, Ross County Sheriff's Office and U.S. 23 Major Crimes Task Force.

Sanders and his wife, Debbie, have been married for 45 years. They have three adult children, Craig, Molly and Ashley, and eight grandchildren.

Sanders’ family, as well as his friends and coworkers from the Highland County Prosecutor’s Office, were among those on hand to watch his swearing-in ceremony Friday.

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