The Buckeye State Sheriffs' Association Podcast

Listeners will be interested in this addition of the BSSA podcast.  Sheriff Fred Stevens has many life experiences; including a journey in Afghanistan teaching their law enforcement how to do their duties as Chiefs of Police.  Stevens, a veteran of the US Army, shares his journey and how the military set the standard for his future as a cop.  You’ll hear a couple great stories too!!

Give this conversation a listen and you’ll learn more about Lake County’s Chief Law Enforcement Officer. Sheriff Leonbruno has been in the business for more than 36 years. He served in several capacities to include Jail Administrator, Chief Deputy and now the elected Sheriff. The Sheriff discusses building a new training center and shooting range, as well as a 504 bed correctional facility that is expected to be in operation in 2027.

We flip the script in this episode of the BSSA podcast.  Recently, Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn from Wood County contacted our podcast host and suggested an interview of the 2025 BSSA President.  The table was set.  Wasylyshyn is the host, Landers is the guest.  If you know him, Sheriff Landers never turns down an opportunity when there’s a microphone available.  Set back, grab a coffee and listen to some of his memories from the Sheriff’s 2025 President’s Tour around the State of Ohio….and more. 

This hometown fella went to the Army and returned home to serve his community at the Xenia Police Department for 30 years.  Scott Anger eventually became the Sheriff of Greene County after the unfortunate death of former Sheriff Gene Fischer in 2021.  Sheriff Anger had big shoes to fill replacing Fischer, to include seeing through a multimillion dollar Sheriff’s Office and Jail construction project.  You’ll get a good feel for what this 40-year lawman is all about after you listen to this episode.

Pike County, Ohio experienced one of the most gruesome mass murders in Ohio’s history.  Current Sheriff Tracy Evans only scratches the surface of this case of what many refer to as the Pike County Massacre or the Rhoden Family Murders.  Sheriff Evans has been in law enforcement more than 25 years, and spent all of those years holding many positions within Pike County before becoming Sheriff in 2020.

This longtime Perkins Township police officer turned county sheriff after some controversy surfaced within the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office involving his predecessor.  Sheriff Chris Hilton talks about his desire to seek the Office of Sheriff to change the communities outlook on the agency.  He was also on a mission to solve a recent murder case that had gone cold.  Within his first year in office, with the help of BCI and others, the murder of Heather Bogle was solved.  Hear those details, and hear all about the IGNITE program in this episode. 

Sheriff Terry Grice is passionate about the community he serves.  When you listen to this addition of the BSSA Pod, you will feel the pride the Sheriff has for his staff through your speakers!  You’ll hear discussion about how important it is for those involved with investigating officer-involved critical incidents to do so in a more timely fashion than in years past; while not compromising the integrity of those investigations.  Sheriff Grice is a family-first type of guy, and we’re excited to get to know him better throughout this interview. Enjoy!  

For more than 30 years, Doug Timmerman has dedicated his life to public service.  You’ll hear Sheriff Timmerman discuss some unique homicide investigations that took place during his tenure in the detective bureau.  The Sheriff, serving in his first year in the elected position, describes the towns and school districts within Mercer County.  Agriculture and sports go hand-in-hand in this mid-western part of Ohio - known to many as MAC Country.

Guernsey County, Ohio has an experienced lawman leading their Sheriff’s Office in Sheriff Jeffrey D. Paden.  The Sheriff talks with passion about his office and all of the specialized functions that make up the organization.  After listening to this episode, you’ll certainly google https://www.guernseysheriff.com/ and search their YouTube channel where you’ll enjoy the creations made by Dispatcher Steve Shubert.

Henry County has some new young leadership as their Chief Law Enforcement Officer.  Give this interview a listen to get more familiar with Sheriff Marc Ruskey.  Sheriff Ruskey is a high-energy leader with a focus on training. He has only been in office 5 months, but he has a vision to lead his agency and serve the public that put him in charge.

In this episode, Sheriff Tedd Frazier talks about his transition from Missouri to Ohio.  He discusses his passion for not only law enforcement, but for farming and raising cattle.  You’ll hear the Sheriff talk about some Jackson County history, and he describes how Ohio Sheriff’s work together for the greater good of public safety.  

Sheriff Richard K. Jones is known around the country for his outspoken position on illegal immigration.  Jones is at the forefront of enforcement and deportation when it comes to sharing the current POTUS’ vision on the topic.  Serving in his 6th term as the elected Chief Law Enforcement Officer of Butler County, Jones talks about many subjects including his background…one of service to his country and his community.  Give this one a listen - you won’t be disappointed! 

For being the elected Sheriff of Preble County for more than twenty years, Mike continues to be humbled by the support he receives throughout his community.  A homegrown native of Eaton, Ohio, he talks about the importance of volunteerism and community service.  Sheriff Simpson is the chairman of BSSA’s legislative committee ....arguably the most important committee within the sheriff’s association. We hope you enjoy this episode of one of Ohio’s most tenured elected lawmen.

We travel to the home of the Goodyear Blimp for this one-on-one interview with Summit County Ohio’s first female Sheriff, Kandy Fatheree.  The Sheriff breaks down her 33-year career, and discusses 2 cases that she’ll never forget…including the Craigslist Killer!  Sheriff Fatheree also talks about her time at the FBI National Academy in 2008.  We hope you enjoy Episode 13!

When it comes to an Ohio Sheriff that has achieved great things, it doesn’t get any better than Sheriff Vern Stanforth.  Throughout his 28-year stint as the elected Chief Law Enforcement Officer of his prospective county, Vern has held the highest positions in Ohio and the nation.  He has been the President of the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association as well as the National Sheriffs’ Association. Vern has also chaired the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission since 2005.  In this episode, you’ll hear about a shy young boy that went to Norway and came back as an outgoing young man striving to serve his community in a great way.  Vern is not shy anymore!

After listening to this episode of the podcast, one word will resonate with listeners; PRIDE!  Sheriff Orvis Campbell has deep roots in this mideastern Ohio county nestled on the western edge of the Appalachian Mountains. The Sheriff discusses his upbringing, career path, community involvements and much more. Sit back and enjoy the energy and PRIDE in this one….you’ll feel the energy through your speakers!

Episode #10 will entertain the listeners of Wood County, Ohio. Sheriff Wasylyshyn talks about several divisions within his office, as well as multiple special programs overseen by his deputies. The Sheriff details his law enforcement career and professional affiliations with the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association and National Sheriffs’ Association. He also clues us in on one of his hobby’s that he enjoys alongside his son.

On this episode of the BSSA podcast, you will meet Muskingum County Ohio Sheriff Matthew Lutz.  Sheriff Lutz will break down his tenure at the Office he now oversees.  He will talk about the tragic event on July 12, 1994, when his father, Lt. Michael Lutz, was killed in the line of duty while working the night shift for the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office.  The Sheriff will also talk about an event that drew national attention on October 18, 2011, when multiple exotic animals (lions/tigers/bears/monkeys) were set free and had to be put down for the safety of the community.

On this episode of the BSSA podcast, we will introduce Hardin County Sheriff Keith A. Everhart. During this interview, you’ll hear about the journey Sheriff Everhart has traveled battling lifelong health issues. He talks about being here today due to God’s will. The Sheriff details his 20 plus years serving on the BSSA Board of Directors, as well as many other topics discussed between these two longtime friends.

On this episode of the BSSA podcast, We’ll introduce Marion County Sheriff Matt Bayles.  During this interview, you’ll hear about Sheriff Bayles’ experience playing college football at the University of Toledo. He will also tell you about his path in public safety serving the people of the City of Marion for the majority of his career. Finally, the Sheriff will talk about working in his first term as an elected official in Marion County, Ohio.

On this episode of the BSSA podcast, we’ll introduce Crawford County Sheriff Scott Kent. During this episode you’ll hear how Sheriff Kent was encouraged to “Do something good for the community”. Those words sparked a 29 year career in law enforcement and Kent is now serving his 3rd term as the Sheriff of Crawford County.

On this episode of the BSSA podcast,  we’ll introduce Morrow County Sheriff John Hinton. Folks will learn about Sheriff Hinton’s upbringing in Morrow County, his journey in law enforcement and about his variety of hobbies. He closes the interview explaining how his office is working with local seniors in high school for internship style training and the potential for job placement.

On this episode of the BSSA podcast, we’ll introduce Sheriff Thomas Riggenbach from Van Wert County, Ohio. Sheriff Riggenbach breaks down his education, training & experience that has led him to the Office of Sheriff. He also tells us about the support he received while going through a family health crisis, as well as the upcoming implementation of The SheriffApp for his office. 

Welcome to the Buckeye State Sheriffs' Association Podcast. Join your host Sheriff Jason Landers of Paulding County Ohio for this short introductory podcast. Sheriff Landers covers the intent and the goal of future interviews on this podcast, as well as, how the BSSA is structured.