Sorgen sworn in as Clinton County Sheriff; Yandel appointed chief deputy
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LOCK HAVEN -- Scott Sorgen was sworn in as Sheriff of Clinton County during a special session, on Friday, Sept. 25, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Clinton County Sheriff's Office.
Sorgan, along with Steve Yandel, who was appointed chief deputy, took their oaths of office during the ceremony attended by family members, friends, community members and local elected officials.
The ceremony, conducted by Judge Michael Salisbury, also brought together former Sheriff Kerry Stover and former Sheriff Charles "Chuck" Ankney, both of whom were recognized for their years of service to the county and their influence on the incoming leadership.
Salisbury expressed his appreciation to Sorgen and Yandel for their previous service to Clinton County and said he looks forward to their continued work in their new roles.
"Both of these offices carry very significant responsibilities," he said during the ceremony. "These responsibilities require professionalism, integrity, dedication and commitment to public service."
Salisbury also noted the important role the sheriff and chief deputy play in supporting the county's court system, protecting the courthouse and ensuring the safety of those who work and conduct business there.
Following the ceremony, Sorgen reflected on his path to becoming sheriff and his plans for the office.
Sorgen earned a degree in criminal justice from Lock Haven University and said law enforcement had always been the career he wanted to pursue.
After graduating, he worked with adolescents before returning to his goal of working in law enforcement.
Sorgen joined the Clinton County Sheriff's Office in 2011. He was originally hired by former Sheriff Ankey and has remained with the office since then.
"I always wanted to work my way up through and help Clinton County the way Chuck showed me, the way Kerry showed me," Sorgen said.
Sorgen said having his former sheriffs attend the swearing-in ceremony made the occasion particularly meaningful.
"He was the one that originally hired me clear back in 2011," Sorgan said, talking about Ankey. "It was really nice to see a full-circle moment with that."
As he begins his new responsibilities, Sorgen said he plans to take some time to become fully acclimated to the position before making major changes.
"Some of it's just going to be letting the dust settle for a while," he said. "Getting a feel for everything."
One of his early goals is to establish a humane officer position within the sheriff's office.
"I'd like to get a humane officer on at some point," Sorgen said, adding that the position would continue work involving assistance to the courts and animal-related matters.
Sorgen said he also plans to eventually lay out his broader plans for the office and its future direction.
He said he expects to have a better sense of those plans after spending some time settling into the sheriff's role.
Sorgen was joined at the ceremony by his wife, Jeri Sorgen, and their children, Cody and Conn, along with many other friends and family.
The ceremony concluded with congratulations for both Sorgen and Yandel as they begin their new roles with the Clinton County Sheriff's Office.