Meet Adam Gunderson

 

Serving others has been the purpose of my life. For more than 25 years, I have dedicated my career to protecting and serving others as a police officer, Police Chief, and member of the Minnesota National Guard. Each role has strengthened my leadership, broadened my experience, and prepared me to serve the people of Clearwater County.

Leadership is earned through service, accountability, and daily work. That's the approach I've taken throughout my career, and it's the kind of leadership I'll bring as your Sheriff.

Family is at the heart of everything I do. My wife, Melissa, and I have been married for 27 years, and together we've raised seven wonderful kids. Homeschooling wasn’t just about education for us; it was about being present, investing in our children, and ensuring they grew up with strong values. The same commitment, service, and responsibility that guide me at home shape who I am as a husband, father, and leader.

This place truly feels like home. My grandparents were from Mahnomen, my parents are in Fertile, and now our family keeps growing here. Our married daughter has settled down in Bemidji. With our family’s hunting cabin close by, all these connections have kept us deeply rooted in northern Minnesota. This is where my family lives, works, and is building our future together.

I was born in Detroit Lakes and spent my childhood in several Minnesota communities before my family settled in Barnesville, where I graduated from high school. Those experiences taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community. I'm proud to be a registered descendant of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe and proud to call northern Minnesota home.

While living in St. Cloud, I joined the Boy Scouts, where I first discovered the importance of serving others. That experience helped shape the path I chose. It showed me that serving others wasn't just something I enjoyed; it was what I wanted to dedicate my life to. That calling eventually led me to both military service and a career in law enforcement.

During my time in the Guard, I served in leadership roles and deployed to both Bosnia and Iraq. I also had the privilege of serving as a military instructor, helping train and mentor more than 2000 soldiers throughout my career. Those experiences taught me how to lead under pressure, make tough decisions, and take responsibility when it matters most. I learned the importance of teamwork, accountability, and always putting people first; those lessons I carry with me every day. I am also a proud lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion, and I remain committed to supporting my fellow veterans.

My law enforcement career has taken me through communities across Minnesota, giving me the privilege of serving people from diverse backgrounds. Every department taught me valuable lessons, but my years as Police Chief especially showed me how vital it is to lead by example, build trust, and support the officers who serve alongside me.

Today, I serve as the Police Chief in Bagley. When I first took on this role, our department was facing some real challenges. Together, we made accountability, professionalism, and training our priorities. By investing in our team and setting the tone from the top, we brought stability back to the department, built a stronger team, and earned back the community’s trust.

All of my experiences, as a husband, father, soldier, police officer, and Police Chief, have prepared me to serve Clearwater County. If I'm elected Sheriff, I'll lead with integrity, accountability, and a real commitment to keeping our communities safe. The Sheriff's Office needs to work hand in hand with the community, support its deputies, and remain focused on what matters most: protecting our citizens, operating a professional Sheriff's Office, supporting schools and families, and upholding the Constitution.

As your Sheriff, I will:

• Lead with integrity, accountability, and transparency.
• Support, train, and equip deputies so they can serve safely, confidently, and professionally.
• Invest in every member of the Sheriff’s Office staff: deputies, jail staff, dispatchers, and support personnel.
• Build strong partnerships with communities, schools, emergency responders, local government, and neighboring law enforcement.
• Ensure professional, efficient jail, dispatch, and court security operations.
• Uphold the Constitution and protect the rights of every citizen.

I am committed to leading with experience, integrity, and a steadfast dedication to the people I serve.

 

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Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about serving people, earning trust, and doing the right thing every day.

 

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. I hope I’ve earned your trust. I would be honored to earn your vote on August 11.

 

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Vote Adam Gunderson for Clearwater County Sheriff

Primary Election – Tuesday, August 11