Lengel announces intent to run for magisterial district judge
Longtime Pine Grove resident and Bern Township police officer Christian Lengel will seek to become the next magisterial district judge in southwestern Schuylkill County.
Lengel will not cross file in the May 20 primary election, he said in a press release.
'Most candidates cross file to appear on both the republican and democratic ticket,' Lengel said. 'However, I wanted my campaign to represent who I am and be authentic to my values, and those values are Republican.'
Lengel hopes to replace retiring District Judge David Rossi, Tremont, in district 21-3-04. The district encompasses Barry, Branch, Cass, Eldred, Foster, Frailey, Hegins, Hubley, Pine Grove, Porter, Reilly, Tower City, Tremont Upper Mahantongo and Washington townships and Tremont Borough.
'This seems like a natural progression to my current experience as a police officer, fire marshal and school resource officer but more importantly to serve in my Community in which I was born and raised,' Lengel said. 'My dedication and commitment to service has been long standing in various positions that I believe are the backbone to our community such as being a volunteer fireman, holding the position of Deputy Schuylkill County Sheriff and part-time Hegins Township police officer. All these roles gave me the perspective I need to continue serving the great people of Schuylkill County. My background in law enforcement as well as my education and education will be put to good use, just on the opposite side of the desk.'
Lengel is a graduate of Pine Grove Area High School and furthered his education by obtaining a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Alvernia University, Reading.
While in college, he attended the Reading Municipal Police Academy and later went on to attend the Pennsylvania Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff Training Academy.
Lengel said he believes his experience, education and deep community roots have uniquely prepared him for this office, and he looks forward to spending the upcoming months speaking directly with the voters about his qualifications.
Lengel said he sees the district judge as a continuation of his desire to make his community safe for people to live and work.
He also believes the person who holds the position needs to treat everyone who enters the courtroom with dignity and respect.
'I began my public service career as a junior fireman with the North End Fire Company in Pine Grove and advanced to the Captain position within the company. From this experience I gained a sense of admiration for serving my community. This service transitioned into a long-standing career in law enforcement where I still do, to this day, feel a duty to serve the local community.'
Lengel resides in Pine Grove Township with his wife, Karen, and their five children: Alexa, Demi, Trey, Tanner and Jaxson. He is a member of the NRA, Pine Grove and Rock Fish & Game, and enjoys hunting, fishing and coaching his children in various sports such as baseball and soccer.
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