Ennis to run for sheriff as write-in candidate

Boundary County Jail Commander Jeff Ennis, who lost the Republican bid for Boundary County Sheriff in the primary by nearly 300 votes, plans to run as a write-in in the Nov. 4 election.

“I ran in the primary and I’m not a quitter,” Ennis told The Herald. “There is still an opportunity.”

Boundary County Sheriff Greg Sprungl defeated Ennis 623 to 917 in the May 27 primary.

Ennis said he plans to run again because many people forgot to vote on May 27.

“I feel fairly confident or I wouldn’t be pursuing this,” he said.

Ennis and Sprungl will face Independent Allen Gemmrig of Copeland in the General Election.

Four years ago Ennis lost to Sprungl in the primary by 97 votes in a three-way race for the four-year seat, which pays $48,400 annually.

As the county’s chief law enforcement officer, the sheriff oversees a staff of 29. They include sheriff’s deputies, emergency dispatchers, driver’s license personnel, civil deputies and the jail staff.

The sheriff’s office also enforces laws, investigates crimes and accidents, and handles civil matters, including delivering subpoenas and evictions, handling non-payment of taxes, selling property and more.

Sprungl has served as sheriff for 10 years. The 59-year-old was initially appointed sheriff in September 1994, when former sheriff Bruce Whittaker resigned to take another job. Sprungl was elected in 1996, but lost to George Voyles in 2000.

Ennis has served as jail commander since 1997 and has been a sheriff’s deputy for 23 years, including serving as an administrative officer from 2005 to 2006.

He was a deputy sheriff with the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office in Stockton, Calif., for 12 years.

Ennis maintained a 4.0 grade-point average while studying administration of justice at Butte Junior College in California and San Joaquin Delta College.