VW sheriff to soon oversee dog warden

Van Wert independent

The Van Wert County Board of Commissioners and Sheriff Tom Riggenbach have been working together to improve efficiency and the accountability of the county dog warden’s office.

After collaboration with the Van Wert County Humane Society, the commissioners and Sheriff Riggenbach have come up with a plan they feel will enhance service to local residents.

Beginning Thursday, August 1, the dispatching and oversight for County Dog Warden Rich Strunkenberg will be handled by the sheriff’s department. Although the commissioners retain authority to hire and fire dog wardens, the day-to-day assignments, performance evaluations and vacation/benefit administration will be handled through the sheriff’s department.

“We think this is going to be a good thing; better service, better accountability,” said Commissioner Thad Lichtensteiger. “We feel this is a win-win situation.”

Lichtensteiger added that he feels county officials are being proactive in bringing the dog warden under the sheriff’s department, noting that there is a trend for doing this across the state. The commissioner even noted his opinion that state legislation may be forthcoming this year related to the issue.

As part of the reorganization, contract information for the dog warden will also change. Beginning August 1, those needing Strunkenberg’s services should call the sheriff’s department’s business number (419.238.3866). Meanwhile, calls made to the listed dog warden phone number will be switched automatically to the sheriff’s department number.

Those with questions or concerns can call either the commissioners’ office at 419.238.6159 or Sheriff Riggenbach at the above number.