Former Clinton County Coroner and current Assistant Fire Chief for the Frankfort Fire Department Ed Cripe has announced he has filed for the District 7 Senate seat due to the resignation of State Senator Brandt Hershman.
Cripe is a 1990 graduate of Clinton Central High School and in August will have achieved 22 years of service at the Frankfort Fire Department. He has also served in County government as a Deputy Coroner (1999-2005) as as the County Coroner (2005-2013). Cripe currently serves on the Indiana State Coroners Association Executive Board and has done so for nine years. He is currently serving as Legislative chairman for that group.
Cripe has also served on the Association of Indiana Counties Legislative Committee and the Association of Indiana Counties Executive Board. Serving on those boards and committees, Cripe spent many hours at the State House where he was able to testify for and against bills in both the Senate and House. Just this year, Cripe assisted the Governor’s Office Staff with language for Senate Bill 139 — Investigation of Overdose Deaths.
Some other boards he has served on include Indiana’s Traffic Management Effort, Indiana State Police and Traffic Record Coordinating Committee Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.
“With many issues that are faced by state government, I feel with my experience as a previous elected official and a public safety official, I will serve District 7 to the best of my ability with upmost honesty, integrity and compassion,” said Cripe. “Brandt Hershman left a legacy at the State House with big shoes to fill and I will make it my passion to help carry on the great things he worked for while serving District 7 and the State of Indiana.”
Cripe has been married to his wife, Erin, for 23 years, and they have three children — Riley, Reid and Ross.