Meet Adam
Gunderson

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 in Bemidji, and our family’s hunting cabin is close by. These connections have kept us deeply rooted in northern Minnesota—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 service 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 2,000 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. 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 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.