Commissioners appoint Randy Sanders as acting sheriff
Commissioners appointed Randy Sanders, pictured, as the acting Highland County sheriff starting June 1 during their May 29 meeting. (HCP Photo/Caitlin Forsha)
One week after Highland County Sheriff Donnie Barrera announced his early retirement, Highland County commissioners David Daniels, Brad Roades and Terry Britton took action to appoint his replacement during their Wednesday, May 29 meeting.
Via resolution, commissioners “agreed 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.”
As previously reported, Sheriff Barrera’s retirement is effective May 31. He submitted a letter announcing his retirement to commissioners Wednesday, after over 30 years at the HCSO and just shy of a decade as sheriff.
His replacement, Sanders, is the Republican nominee and lone candidate on the ballot this fall. All three commissioners congratulated him in unison after making the resolution official.
“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.”
The three commissioners all said, “We’re sure you will,” with Roades adding that they are “glad to have you here” and Britton saying, “It’s been a long road, hasn’t it?”
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 is currently the Chief Investigator of the Highland County Task Force, working with the Highland County Prosecutor’s Office with a focus on drug investigations. His career 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.
Commissioners congratulated Sanders again later in the meeting.
“It’s an honor, and I’ve been working toward it,” Sanders said. “I have a bunch of questions, but I’m sure you’ll start hearing those next week.
“We’re in the middle of several things right now that Donnie’s gotten started. I’ve got all the contacts, so we’re going to get on that the first of the week and see where we’re at.”
Britton said Sanders is “welcome anytime,” as Roades encouraged him to attend their Wednesday morning meetings.
Check back to highlandcountypress.com for more from Wednesday’s meeting.
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