MOUNT VERNON — Knox County Sheriff David Shaffer will retire on Dec. 31, concluding a career that spans 40 years of public service.
On Tuesday, the Knox County commissioners honored his four decades of dedication to law enforcement with a proclamation.
Shaffer began his career in 1985 as a volunteer special deputy with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. He moved to the Fredericktown Police Department in 1987 as a full-time patrol officer, where he “exemplified professionalism and commitment to community safety.”
Shaffer returned to the KCSO in 1993 as a midnight shift patrol deputy, where he demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication as a canine handler.
He was a founding member of the agency’s tactical response unit and later became the team leader.
Shaffer rose through the ranks with “unwavering dedication and leadership.” He served as patrol sergeant, lieutenant, division commander, overseeing patrol records and civil process, and captain before being elected sheriff in 2013.
“During his tenure as sheriff, Dave Shaffer set a standard of excellence in public service, upholding the highest ideals of law enforcement and ensuring the safety and well-being of the Knox County community,” the proclamation states.
For his exceptional service, Shaffer received the National Sheriff’s Association Medal of Valor and the Ohio Attorney General’s Distinguished Law Enforcement Group Achievement Award. These awards, among others, reflect his bravery, teamwork, and commitment to justice.
“Sheriff Shaffer’s leadership, integrity, and unwavering dedication to duty have left an indelible impact on the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and the broader community he has served faithfully,” the proclamation reads.
The commissioners commended Shaffer on his extraordinary career in law enforcement and his steadfast service to Knox County’s citizens.
“We truly do appreciate your service to Knox County,” Commissioner Teresa Bemiller said. “You are a great sheriff to work with.”
Highlights of 20 years as sheriff
Shaffer said highlights from his time as sheriff include establishing the Lexipol policy manual, daily training bulletins, the Zuercher records management system, and the initial scheduling and payroll software.
On the jail side, highlights include video visitation.
“Which as you look back, probably was great because it took place right before COVID. So that really enhanced our ability during COVID to offer visitation,” he said. “It offers more visitation options for the public.”
He also cited the following accomplishments:
•Guardian RFID, which helps provide accountability of inmate movement and officer checks
•Daily inmate list on the website
•Jail medical services through a third-party independent medical provider that eases the liability from the county
•The partnership with the Freedom Center for their substance abuse counseling
•Hiring Rachel Webster as an in-house mental health person for jail linkage programs
On the patrol side, Shaffer noted up-to-date taser units, Axon cameras, cruiser laptop computers, Motorola radios, cruiser repeaters, and the cruiser rotation and replacement program.
For additional services, he cited the partnership with Knox County Job & Family Services and the money those deputies recover in back child support.
Shaffer’s term officially ends on Jan. 6, 2025. However, because the retirement process runs on a calendar year, he will retire on Dec. 31.
The commissioners appointed incoming Sheriff Dan Weckesser as interim sheriff effective Jan. 1, 2025. Weckesser’s term officially begins on Jan. 6.
The community is invited to a reception at the B&O Depot, 507 W. High St., on Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. to celebrate Shaffer’s retirement.
