Linn County Sheriff Brian Gardner named Law Enforcement Executive of the Year

Linn County Sheriff Brian Gardner was honored last week by the Iowa Police Chiefs Association with the Law Enforcement Executive of the Year Award for 2022.

Gardner is the first sheriff to ever receive the award. It was presented Thursday night during the association’s annual Executive Training Conference awards banquet in Coralville.

“I am humbled and honored to be selected for this award by police chiefs from across the state,” Gardner said in a news release. “This award means so much to me when you look at the professionalism and accomplishments of those who were presented the award before me.”

Former Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman received the award last year.

“The criteria for the award include outstanding and extraordinary professional service to the criminal justice system, the law enforcement profession, and the Iowa Police Chiefs Association, including long term contributions and commitment to law enforcement in Iowa,” according to a news release from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.

Gardner has worked for the Linn County Sheriff’s Office for 43 years. He’s currently serving his fourth term as the elected sheriff. He is the president of the Iowa State Association of Counties and a past president of the Iowa State Sheriffs' and Deputies' Association. He also previously served as chair of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Council.

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