Kampschnieder enters sheriff's race with vision for futureby Jason Futch If anyone had told Dodge County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sergeant Logan Kampschnieder before July that he was going to run for sheriff this year, he probably wouldn’t have believed them. “I didn’t have any plans,” the 31-year-old department veteran said. “I was happy where I was at.”
The Dodge native was recently promoted to sergeant and was working the day shift with the sheriff’s office when the opportunity suddenly presented itself. The position became available following the resignation of former sheriff Dustin Wietzel in July, setting in motion a process that would ultimately see Kampschnieder as the Dodge County Republican Party’s choice for the sheriff’s race. Kampschnieder had plans to one day run for sheriff, but he did not expect that opportunity to come as quickly as it did. “It was one of those things where I felt like I had the support and means to step into the position,” Kampschnieder said. “And hopefully do it well and consistently.” Kampschnieder was one of several Republicans seeking the nomination. The field included deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, North Bend native and DCSO Deputy Nick White, and current interim sheriff Bob Reynolds. Reynolds accepted the role following Wietzel’s resignation and approval from the Dodge County Board of Supervisors after. Following an interview by a six-member committee led by party vice-chairman Spencer Wilson, Kampschnieder was selected. For Wilson, his ties to Dodge County were an important part of the decision. “Logan is a Dodge County guy,” Wilson said. “He’s younger and is part of a new generation that is up to date on all the technology compared to some of the candidates.” Wilson said that aside from Kampschnieder, White was a close second for the position and hoped that he be elevated to a higher role within the sheriff’s office in the future. “(White) had a really good interview and had support on the selection committee,” he said. Wilson added that while Reynolds was not selected by the committee, he said the committee appreciated his service in stepping into the sheriff’s role while the agency was going through its transition. Reynolds had previously served as interim sheriff when former sheriff Steve Hespen resigned in 2022. A sudden opportunity Being selected to replace Wietzel on the ballot brought a mixture of excitement and nerves for Kampschnieder. “Most people go into this position with a little more forethought,” he said. “Being thrown into it quickly is the most nerve wracking part, but I’m really excited to take that leap and start helping out in our department and growing with our county.” Since becoming the Republican candidate – and to date, the only candidate for sheriff – Kampschnieder has been working with Reynolds to learn more about the position and the day-to-day responsibilities that come with being the county’s chief law enforcement officer. He hopes that he will be able to bring in more deputies so the agency can grow to four deputies per shift. “Law enforcement across the state is short-staffed,” Kampschnieder said. “But (DCSO) is now just getting back to where we are almost fully staffed. Continuing the hiring process to get fully staffed will be the future.” Kampschnieder also said that another area he would like to strengthen is the agency’s drone program. While the program is already in place, he said law enforcement agencies are still navigating how newer drone technology can be used while remaining in the bounds of the law. Read the full story in the print or e-edition. <<Back to the front page |
