Andy Close
WARREN, Pa. – It was a moment over a year in the making, as the Warren County Commissioners recognized retired Warren County Sheriff Ken Klakamp during their meeting on Wednesday.
Klakamp served as sheriff from 2012 until his retirement in December of 2020. Klakamp began his service of over 40 years in Warren County, beginning in the jail until he moved to the sheriff’s office, where he served as chief deputy for 19 1/2 years before being elected sheriff.
The honor had been delayed because of COVID-19.
“I guess my message is, it’s always been about community, it’s always been about the people,” Klakamp said. “I built a lot of great relationships. To my staff, you are second to none. I was very fortunate during my nine years as sheriff. The thing that I am the most proud of is my wife, my kids, my two adorable grandsons, my staff, and serving Warren County. It’s been an honor and privilege to serve Warren County.”
Warren County’s current sheriff, Brian Zeybel, credited Klakamp with being where he is at today.
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Ken,” Zeybel said. “The best thing I think I can say about this man because there’s a list of it, his slogan was people before politics. It made sense to me, but I didn’t realize what that meant until I got into issues. He never made a decision for political gain. It was what’s best for the people of Warren County.”
Klakamp was presented with a plaque from the county, as well as citations from the state House and Senate from State Representative Kathy Rapp and Mary Kushner, Sen. Scott Hutchinson’s field representative.
