Five men were sworn in as the newest Deputies to the Clark County Sheriff Department on the morning of March 17, 2014; of these five men, one was our very own Greenon High School graduate, Joshua Wendling.

Josh was born at Miami Valley Hospital and was raised in Clark County, living near Enon his entire life. Even before graduating high school, Wendling knew that he wanted a career in public service, though at the time he wasn’t sure what path he wanted to take. He spoke proudly of being a cadet during high school for the Mad River Township Fire and EMS and was sure at the time that was what he wanted to pursue a career in Firefighting and EMS. Over the years though he realized that his true passion and career choice was in law enforcement so that he could honor, respect, and protect his community. “I had full support from my entire family”, he said, stating that “especially my mother, Pamela Sprinkle, and my Father, Tim Wendling. Without their encouragement, love, and commitment to help me succeed, I would not be where I am today,” Wendling said. He mentioned his mentor, Captain D. Wright, from the Beavercreek Police Department, who was always available for him anytime he had questions during his pursuit in a career in law enforcement.

After Josh graduated from Greenon High School in 2009, he then graduated from the Greene County Criminal Justice Academy in 2013. He is currently attending Clark State Community College for his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice, and he plans to continue that education at Ohio University where his goal will be to earn his Bachelors Degree.

As Josh was once a police officer for the Village of Enon and still continues to work for Mad River Township Fire and EMS, he said they played a huge part in giving him experience that he needed for his desired path. He also worked for Discount Drug Mart located in Fairborn for three years and Batteries Plus as the store manager for two years before resigning to pursue his true passion and career in public service.

With extracurricular activities, Josh is not all business, as he enjoys spending time with family and friends watching movies, fishing, hiking, exercising, and going to amusement parks. He also enjoys riding his motorcycle and target shooting.

When Josh was asked if there was anything else that he wanted the community to know about him, his response was, “I look forward to serving the citizens of Clark County as a Deputy Sheriff, and hope to make it my life-long career.” He also plans to continue serving part time at the Mad River Township as a firefighter and EMT.