Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir last week appointed Steve Billinger as lieutenant for the Barton County Sheriff’s Office. On Monday morning, Bellendir introduced the veteran law enforcement officer to the County Commission.

“I think he will be a real asset to the county,” the sheriff said. 

Billinger is a long time resident of Barton County and recently retired after serving 26 years with the Kansas Highway Patrol. He has served in law enforcement since 1981.

The lieutenant is third in command at the Sheriff’s Office behind the sheriff and the under sheriff. I addition to other administrative duties, he will be heading up training efforts.

“I am pleased to be back in law enforcement,” Billinger said. He comes to the office after a brief stint in the private sector,

“I am looking forward to the challenges ahead,” Billinger said.

He and his wife have four children and reside in Ellinwood. He has spent six and a half years on the Ellinwood Unified School District 355 School Board.