Joseph P. Witherite has announced his candidacy for Clearfield County Sheriff as a write-in on the Democratic ticket.
Witherite was born in Clearfield and grew up in Grampian. He graduated from the Curwensville Area High School.
While in high school, Witherite worked at True Value Hardware, Smoke House and Global Custom Decorating, all in Curwensville.
After graduating from high school, he began working at Penn Way Express in Dubois. At the same time, he was furthering his education at Pennsylvania State University’s Dubois campus.
While at PSU-DuBois, he studied criminal justice until transferring to the PSU-Altoona campus and completing his Bachelor of Science degree.
Witherite began working for CRI as a health care aide to assist persons with disabilities. He then enrolled in the Act 120 Police Academy at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Witherite graduated in November of 2011 and was hired by the Clearfield Borough police in March of 2012. He completed ride-alongs with the department from January of 2012 until his hiring.
Witherite has worked as a police officer for more than five years. He has been employed by Clearfield and Curwensville Boroughs, as well as by Decatur Township where he is currently a corporal.
Witherite is also an active member of Curwensville Rescue Hose and Ladder Co.
Witherite, if elected as Clearfield County Sheriff, would like to start a program called “Deputies on Duty.” This would place sheriff deputies – carrying the same arrest powers as a police officer – in areas without police protection.
The program would serve as a crime deterrent, as well as create revenue for additional deputies. The deputies on duty, he stated, would be able to make both traffic and criminal arrests.
Witherite also would like to create a Sheriff’s Department Facebook page similar to that created by Domestic Relations. It would display pictures of wanted persons to assist with serving warrants and bringing in more revenue.
Witherite also wants to address the issue of the Clearfield County Sheriff’s Posse. Due to safety and insurance concerns and others, such as possible lawsuits, Witherite feels that it is best to disband the posse.
Witherite explained he does not want to turn away helping hands and while the posse members likely have his same drive and first responder attitude, training is still important.
He would encourage posse members to join local EMS and fire agencies. Their volunteer help is greatly appreciated and needed in this area, and they will actually be utilized as fire and EMS personnel.
Witherite stated the posse will never be called out for fear of lawsuits. He feels it is essentially a useless organization, and he would like its members to complete training and be available for help.
Witherite is currently running a write-in campaign for the Democratic Party, and he hopes to get on the ballot in November with voters’ help.
Witherite asks that citizens to please get out and vote and to write-in Joseph Witherite for Clearfield County Sheriff on May 16.
For more information, please visit the “Joe Witherite for Clearfield County Sheriff” Facebook page.
