ROSS COUNTY, OH – Deputy Isaac Oberer, a committed officer of the Ross County Sheriff’s Office, has been fired after declaring his candidacy against his current boss, Sheriff George Lavender, for the November sheriff election. Oberer’s termination has sparked debate over democratic principles and free speech within the law enforcement sector.
Oberer aimed to introduce new ideas and reforms to the sheriff’s office, but his challenge to Lavender led to his immediate firing. Oberer expressed disappointment, particularly as he did not anticipate such a reaction from a leader he once respected. He emphasized the importance of healthy competition in public leadership and the encouragement of future law enforcement generations.
Sheriff Lavender, in office since 2008, has been embroiled in controversies, including unexplained jail deaths and a high number of drug overdoses within the facility. Oberer, a father, Marine, and law enforcement veteran of nearly ten years, previously served as a Sergeant at the Circleville Police Department before returning to Ross County. Running as an Independent, Oberer believes in keeping politics out of law enforcement.
Ross County, with a population nearing 70,000 and located an hour south of Columbus, will hold its sheriff election on November 5.