Crist appoints Nienhuis as Hernando sheriff

There's a new sheriff in Hernando, and he's from Pasco.

Gov. Charlie Crist on Tuesday appointed Alvin "Al" D. Nienhuis II as Hernando County sheriff. Since 2001 Nienhuis has served as the Undersheriff for the Pasco Sheriff's Office, where he has been responsible for all detention and law enforcement daily operations.

"I look forward to earning the respect of not only the citizens of Hernando County but also the men and women of the Hernando County Sheriff's Office," Nienhaus said in a statement.

Nienhuis will serve until Jan. 7, 2013, and will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Sheriff Richard Nugent, who was recently elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. The sheriff's seat will be open for election in 2012.

"Al's 15 years as a dedicated law enforcement officer have given him the experience and skills he needs to honorably serve the people of Hernando County," Crist said in a press release. "The leadership he has shown as an undersheriff for nearly a decade has prepared him to serve as one of the top law enforcement officers in our state."

Crist had until Dec. 31 to make the appointment.

Many in the community were lobbying for the governor to pick Mike Maurer, who is the chief of operations for the Hernando County Sheriff's Office. Nugent had recommended him for the job.

County Commissioner David Russell told a Hernando Today reporter Tuesday there had been an outpouring of e-mails and correspondence to the governor's office in support of Maurer.

Nienhuis, who has been house hunting in Hernando County, said he knows and respects Maurer.

Nienhuis' law enforcement career began in 1985 with the Florida Marine Patrol, where he first volunteered and later worked part time. From 1989 to 2000, he served in the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, first as a special agent, then a sergeant, in the Clearwater District Office; later as a lieutenant in the Sarasota District Office, and as a captain in the Fort Myers District Office. He has served on the Pasco-Hernando Community College Law Enforcement Training Advisory Board since 2001.

Nienhuis, 47, earned a bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida. A graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, he is planning to complete a master's degree in business administration in 2011, according to the released statement.