WHEELING – Retired Ohio County sheriff's deputy and bailiff Chester “Roger” Bisse loves the courtroom and now wants to become a judge.
Bise, 56, served as a lawmaker for 22 years. For his last four years, he was assigned as a circuit court bailiff.
“I have always been involved in public service,” Bisse said. “This is how I continue to serve society.
“I spent several years as a bailiff in the circuit court, and I was able to see the proceedings, see people testify, and see the rulings of current circuit court judges,” he added.
Bisse is running for the District 1 executive position against incumbent Kevin Stryker in a nonpartisan election on May 14th, with the winner taking office in January 2025. He promised to treat each person fairly in court and listen to their evidence. Please check independently before making a decision.
“I want to make sure it's completely fair to everyone,” Bise continued.
He expects to see behavioral health cases in court, as well as domestic violence cases.
“I think that's where homelessness will fall. We'll have to take every case individually as a disease that needs to be treated,” Bisse said.
Mr. Bise graduated from Wheeling Park High School in 1986 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He spent his 12 years in the military and his last four years in law enforcement. Bise added that he served in the director's role from 1987 to 1998.
Mr. Bise reported receiving training in several specialized areas while in the Navy. He was a gunner on his USS Boulder. A patrol boat captain with the 8th Special Operations Unit in Panama. Gun range instructor. Spanish interpreter. Base police officer. Law Enforcement Field Training Officer.and a port guard
“I just finished a tour managing a Cuban migrant camp in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba,” he said.
Bisse was hired by the Ohio County Sheriff's Office in 1999 after returning to his hometown of Wheeling. He also served as Clearview Village Police Chief from 2002 to 2014.
“A few years ago, I was certified as a member of the Crisis Intervention Team,” Bise continued. “I am known for treating people honestly, respectfully and fairly.”
After retiring in 2021, he accepted a position as a dog warden and human worker at the Ohio County Animal Shelter, where he continues to be employed.