BCSO promotes 6 in office restructuring

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has announced several promotions to restructuring by Sheriff Chris Lane.

Amongst the changes, an existing Major position will be converted from the Jail Commander to Major of Operations and the Jail Commander position will be filled with an existing Captain.

Changes to the uniform division include naming a new Division Commander, as well as Shift Lieutenants who will provide more front-line supervision to their assigned shift. This is an effort to redefine roles in hopes of gaining more efficiency throughout BCO, per Det. Dane Duke.

• Brandon Slate was promoted to Major of Operations. Slate is a graduate of Columbus North High School and a 20-year law enforcement veteran. He became a Captain in 2016.
• Captain Dave Steinkoenig, who was previously the Uniform Captain, will be transferred to Jail Commander and maintains his Captain rank. Steinkoenig began his BCSO career 20 years ago.
• TA Smith was advanced to Captain of the Uniform Division. He has been with the sheriff’s office for over 40 years.
• Justin Arnholt was promoted to Lieutenant in the uniform division. He has been with BCSO for 26 years after graduating from Columbus North High School.
• Andrew Dougan was elevated to Lieutenant in the uniform division. He was hired by the department after graduating from Indiana University in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree.
• Gary Knoef was promoted to Lieutenant in the uniform division. He started his career in law enforcement at the Youth Services Center in 2001.

Sheriff Chris Lane said, “The promotions are a testament to the hard work of these deputies, and their commitment to serving and protecting the residents of Bartholomew County. BCSO congratulates them on their well-deserved promotions, and I look forward to their continued service.”