Pulkrabek to serve as 2017 ISSDA president

IOWA CITY - Johnson County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek is to serve as president of the Iowa State Sheriffs' and Deputies' Assocation in 2017.

Pulkrabek, Johnson County's sheriff since 2005, was elected to the post by the ISSDA members during their annual business meeting Tuesday in Des Moines. The association provides training to its members in areas such as jail operations and civil and legal processing. The organization also does fundraising, public education, works with other state agencies and collaborates with lawmakers.

Pulkrabek is the third straight president from Eastern Iowa. The 2016 president is Linn County Sheriff's Office Maj. John Godar and the 2015 president was Linn County Sheriff Brian Gardner.

The duties of the president include overseeing the board of directors and leading their meetings, as well as establishing the various association committees, such as jails, public education, legislative and public relations.

'Really, you're the face of the ISSDA board for a year,” Pulkrabek said. 'There's tons of things that go on behind the scenes that people will contact the sheriffs and deputies association about. It all runs through the president.”

Pulkrabek said the association is 'very active” in the state legislature. This year, the organization hopes to work with state lawmakers to establish a hands-free electronic driving bill which would bar motorists from holding any electronic device in their hands while driving.

'That's our big push, legislative-wise, this year,” Pulkrabek said.

Pulkrabek said his appointment won't require him to spend any more time outside of Johnson County than what is ordinary for him. The association meets once a month except for two of the summer months. Pulkrabek previously served as secretary for the board of directors.

Pulkrabek has been with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office since 1985.

l Comments: (319) 398-8238; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com