Hershberger, Hunter gear up for general election in Allen County Sheriff race

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Fort Wayne’s NBC) - Allen County Chief Deputy Troy Hershberger won the Republican nomination Tuesday night in the race for Allen County Sheriff.

He’s now taking on Fort Wayne Police Captain and Democrat Kevin Hunter in November’s general election.

“Oh, I feel good,” Hershberger said. “I feel relieved, competition is all part of that process and it’s a drain on you mentally and physically. It’s a good moment and a good high today.”

The race is far from over for Hershberger as he faces off against Hunter, who ran unopposed in the primary election.

“I’m very happy to be the democratic nominee for sheriff in Allen County,” Hunter said. “I’m happy to know who my opponent is going to be.”

Both Hunter and Hershberger will take on a number of issues this election cycle including fixing issues at the Allen County Jail. A federal judge says there are problems with overcrowding, under-staffing and inhumane conditions.

“It’s failing and what’s best for technology and the building and the structure itself is going in the direction to build a new jail,” Hershberger said. “It’s going to be a big collaborative effort to build the jail and you got to get it right.”

“We need to fix those issues right now and one of those programs that I’ve talked about for a long time now is the ‘Jail Chemical Addictions’ program,” Hunter said. “Basically getting a treatment center in the jail so we can stop people cycling out of the criminal justice system.”

Another hot button topic is major rise in fentanyl overdoses throughout Allen County, Which they both say needs to be addressed by offering more resources and reducing drugs on the streets.

“I have created all kinds of programs to combat the drug crisis,” Hunter said. “I’ve got that experience. I’ve got 32 years with the Fort Wayne Police Department and I’ve got ten years working in vice and narcotics.”

“I believe it’s our function to keep the community safe, keep our neighborhoods safe and we’ll do that by going after drugs specifically,” Hershberger said. “Getting the fentanyl out of our community and keeping it out of our community is important.”

In the end, both men say they are looking forward to what’s ahead these next several months and encourage everyone to get out and vote regardless of who they support.

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