A New Era for Stark County: Eric Weisburn Takes the Helm as Sheriff
As of December 6, 2025, Stark County has a new sheriff in town, marking a significant transition in leadership for the region’s law enforcement. Republican Eric Weisburn, who has dedicated over 31 years to the Stark County Sheriff’s Office, has officially taken over from long-time Sheriff George T. Maier, who held the position since 2013. Weisburn’s experience and vision for the department have set the stage for a series of changes that aim to enhance both employee morale and community relations.
In an exclusive interview with The Repository, Weisburn expressed his eagerness to begin his tenure. “I’m just excited about getting started; I really am,” he stated, emphasizing his familiarity with the department’s inner workings. His extensive experience positions him uniquely to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by both the staff and the community.
One of Weisburn’s primary goals is to create a supportive work environment for the Sheriff’s Office employees. He emphasized the importance of making each staff member feel valued, trusted, and respected from day one. “I want to make it a better environment for them,” Weisburn noted, indicating that employee morale will be a cornerstone of his leadership approach.
To aid in this mission, Weisburn has assembled a command staff with an impressive collective experience of nearly a century in law enforcement. This includes Mark Maskaluk as chief deputy, Rick Stauffer as major, Eric Changet, and Shadi Smiley, all of whom share a common goal of improving the organizational culture and service to the community. “We share the same mission of making the Stark County Sheriff’s Office a better place to work and serve the community,” Weisburn explained.
Weisburn’s commitment to the community is evident in his plans to continue the Citizens Academy, a 12-week program designed to educate community members about the functions of the sheriff’s office. As a former commandant for the program, he expressed a strong desire to foster transparency and build trust between law enforcement and the public. “I developed a lot of the lesson plans that they’re still using today,” he reflected, underscoring his hands-on approach to community engagement.
Additionally, Weisburn is making a notable change in the department’s branding. He plans to remove the name of his predecessor from signs, vehicles, and other materials, replacing them with a generic logo that emphasizes the office rather than any individual. This move is designed to ensure continuity and consistency in the sheriff’s office’s branding, regardless of its leadership over the years. “So that way, four years, eight years, 12 years, whenever someone comes in after me, they won’t be forced to change all the signage,” he reasoned.
In line with modern policing strategies, Weisburn is also looking to enhance the department’s capabilities through the use of technology. One of his initiatives includes advancing plans initiated by Maier to implement artificial intelligence for gun detection in public spaces. This proactive approach aims to bolster safety in schools and other public buildings, ensuring that law enforcement can respond swiftly to potential threats.
Weisburn is acutely aware of the infrastructural challenges facing the Stark County Jail, parts of which date back to 1960. He recognizes that the facility is not adequately equipped to meet contemporary mental health needs and safety standards. “It’s the infrastructure, the design. It was never set up for the mental health needs that we have today,” he explained, emphasizing the need for a more modern design that promotes safety and efficacy in correctional management.
While the decision to replace the jail ultimately lies with the county commissioners, Weisburn is committed to advocating for necessary changes to improve the facility.
As Eric Weisburn begins his term as Stark County Sheriff, both the staff and the community can expect a fresh approach to law enforcement focused on collaboration, respect, and innovation. With a dedicated team and a clear vision, Weisburn aims to foster a safer and more engaged Stark County, where the sheriff’s office is not just a law enforcement agency but a trusted partner in the community. His leadership promises to prioritize both the welfare of his employees and the safety of the citizens, setting a hopeful tone for the future of Stark County law enforcement.
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Cantonrep Original Story by Nancy Molnar