Meet Adam Gunderson

 

Serving others and protecting my community has always been at the heart of who I am. I was born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and lived in Bejou, Moorhead, Williston, North Dakota, and St. Cloud. I am a registered descendant of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, and I’m proud of my northern Minnesota roots. My family moved several times while I was growing up, and those experiences taught me resilience, accountability, and how to build relationships quickly. Skills that have served me throughout my career in law enforcement.

While living in St. Cloud, I joined the Boy Scouts, where I first developed a strong sense of service and a desire to help others. This value is what ultimately led me to a career in law enforcement.

After my freshman year, my family moved to Barnesville, where I met my wife, Melissa. I graduated in 1997 and enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard, beginning a military career that would shape my leadership and commitment to service.

During my time in the Guard, I served in leadership roles and deployed to both Bosnia and Iraq. 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. This lesson I carry with me every day.

I am a proud lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion, and I remain committed to supporting my fellow veterans.

I have served in law enforcement across Minnesota, beginning my career in Henning and Perham, where I learned the fundamentals of policing and community service. I later became Police Chief in Royalton, serving for 14 years and building strong relationships within the community. I then worked in Menahga for a short time before coming to Bagley.

Today, I serve as the Police Chief in Bagley. When I stepped into this role, the department was facing serious challenges. Through strong leadership, accountability, and a focus on training and professionalism, I helped rebuild the department. Restoring stability, strengthening the team, and rebuilding trust within the community.

Family is the foundation of my life. My wife, Melissa, and I have been married for 27 years and are blessed with seven children. We chose to homeschool our kids because we believe in being present and involved, and in raising them with strong values.

This area is home. My grandparents were from Mahnomen, my parents live in Fertile, and our hunting cabin is nearby. This is where our family lives, works, and builds our future.

While I haven’t lived here my entire life, this is the place we chose. It’s where my roots run deep, and it’s the community I am committed to serving and protecting.

I believe the Sheriff’s Office should work side by side with the community, support its deputies, and stay focused on what matters most: keeping people safe, running a professional jail and dispatch center, supporting schools and families, and upholding the Constitution.

As your Sheriff, I will:

• Support and train deputies so they can serve safely and effectively
• Invest in all Sheriff’s Office staff—deputies, jail staff, dispatchers, and support personnel
• Build strong partnerships with communities, schools, and local businesses
• 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.

 

 

Leadership matters. Experience matters. And our community deserves a Sheriff who is ready on day one.

 

 

 

Primary Election August 11

Vote for Adam Gunderson for Sheriff.