Sheriff Brad Kunkel

Sheriff - Johnson County Sheriff's Office

Johnson County Sheriff Brad Kunkel is a 24-year law enforcement veteran who has spent his entire law enforcement career with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. During his career at the Sheriff’s Office, he has worked in the Jail, Patrol, and Investigations Divisions, holding the titles of Deputy Sheriff, Patrol Sergeant, and Detective Sergeant before running for office in 2020 and beginning his first term as Sheriff in 2021. He was re-elected to a second term in 2024. As Sheriff, he has followed through with enhancing investigations into domestic violence, was instrumental in creating a multi-agency digital forensics task force, and enhanced jail diversion efforts within the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Kunkel is a graduate of the University of Iowa and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a Minor in Religious Studies. Sheriff Kunkel previously served as a City Council member and Mayor Pro Tempore for 6 years with the City of Solon, as well as serving as a board member for multiple non-profits in his community. Board experience includes the Domestic Violence Intervention Program, where he served as Co-Chair, as well as the 100+ Men Who Care Board and the North Liberty Community Food Pantry Board. In 2022, he was elected to the Iowa State Sheriffs’ and Deputies Association Board of Directors, where he served as a Sheriff Board Member and on the Legislative Committee. He is the Vice-Chair of the Iowa Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, representing large Iowa sheriff’s offices. Sheriff Kunkel is also a member of the National Policing Institute’s Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative, where he serves as a subject-matter expert. In 2024, Sheriff Kunkel was designated as the Sheriff Affiliate to the Iowa State Association of Counties Board of Directors and currently serves as the 3rd Vice President. Brad and his wife Julie live in rural Johnson County and are the parents of three sons. Sheriff Kunkel is committed to supporting victims of intimate partner violence, hiring great people, and ensuring local government provides quality public service with a priority on public safety. In his free time, Sheriff Kunkel enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, and golfing.

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