George Lavender, 2016 campaign website

George attended Union-Scioto High School. He is married to his wife, Jeanne, with whom he has 3 children. He is a member of the Chillicothe Baptist Church. 

George previously worked as a deputy sheriff, dispatcher, and jailer with the Ross County Sheriff’s Office. He also worked as a sergeant, lieutenant, and major in the road division of the Ross County Sheriff’s Office. 

George W. Lavender, Jr currently serves as the Ross County Sheriff. He was elected to this position in 2008 and is serving his 4th term. 

Scitiopost, Ross County Sheriff’s Office Secures Over $20,000 in Traffic Safety Grants

In 2024, Lavender secured $20,000 in funding to help with federal traffic safety, in an effort to address distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and restraint use.

Added a video arraignment system and updated Road Patrol equipment.

Mandated using body cameras in the Road Patrol Division.

Upgraded the MARCS statewide radio system, which he believes increased communication between county and state agencies.

- In 2024, Lavender secured $20,000 in funding to help with federal traffic safety, in an effort to address distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and restraint use.
- Added 2 school safety officers.
- Added a video arraignment system and updated Road Patrol equipment.
- Mandated using body cameras in the Road Patrol Division.
- Installed a day reporting system.
- Upgraded the MARCS statewide radio system, which he believes increased communication between county and state agencies.

Public Safety

Provided professional, medical, and food services in the county jail.

Established an inmate educational system, where inmates are taught life skills.

- Provided professional, medical, and food services in the county jail.
- Established an inmate educational system, where inmates are taught life skills.

Jail Management

Said as County Sheriff, he has been "aggressive with drug enforcement" in the county.

Said he has been financially responsible by having County Commissioners help with managing annual budgets, and "sometimes even generating a surplus."

Worked with community partners to create the Terry Collins Reentry Center,  which he states is the 1st multi-service and multi-agency reentry center in the nation and provides various spectrum of corrections and treatment programs.

Worked with community partners to secure federal funding for The Heroin Partnership Program, which aimed to provide enforcement, support, and treatment for opiate addiction in Ross County.

- Said as County Sheriff, he has been "aggressive with drug enforcement" in the county.
- Said he has been financially responsible by having County Commissioners help with managing annual budgets, and "sometimes even generating a surplus."
- Worked with community partners to create the Terry Collins Reentry Center,  which he states is the 1st multi-service and multi-agency reentry center in the nation and provides various spectrum of corrections and treatment programs.
- Worked with community partners to secure federal funding for The Heroin Partnership Program, which aimed to provide enforcement, support, and treatment for opiate addiction in Ross County.

Criminal Justice

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George W. Lavender, Jr

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Isaac attended Columbus State Community College and holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and law enforcement administration from Ashworth College. He has 2 children.

Isaac currently works as a police sergeant for the Circleville Police Department. He previously worked as a deputy sheriff for the Pike County Sheriff's Office. He served in the US Marine Corps. 

Scioto Valley Guardian, Oberer releases first campaign video for Ross Co. Sheriff after board certifies his candidacy

Isaac Oberer's campaign for sheriff of Ross County is his 1st run for public office.

Believes in using staff in areas that best suit their abilities and "swift responses to problems that curve future and larger issues."

Said, "Violent crimes are skyrocketing with shootings, stabbings, and almost every other horrible thing you can imagine, including property crime..."

- Plans to address drug addiction.
- Believes in using staff in areas that best suit their abilities and "swift responses to problems that curve future and larger issues."
- Said, "Violent crimes are skyrocketing with shootings, stabbings, and almost every other horrible thing you can imagine, including property crime..."

As of August 7, 2024, Isaac Oberer’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Isaac Oberer

- The County Sheriff has complete police jurisdiction over all municipalities, and provides full police protection to the unincorporated areas of the county.
- The County Sheriff is responsible for enforcing the laws of Ohio and the United States. 
- County Sheriffs are responsible for operating and maintaining the county jail. 
- The County Sheriff aids the Common Pleas Court with security during trials, issues warrants, and serves court orders. 
- County Sheriffs are elected to 4 year terms. 

Ross County Sheriff

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Public Safety

Jail Management

Criminal Justice