Sheriff Dan Dunlap to retire

Law enforcement official’s last day will be Aug. 31

After 46 years of law enforcement service to the citizens of Lake County, Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap has decided to call it a career.

He made the announcement Aug. 13 during the Lake County commissioners’ regular meeting. His last day of service, he stated in a resignation letter to the board, will be Aug. 31.

“It is my intention to make myself available for a smooth transition, and I will remain forever grateful to the people of Lake County for entrusting me with the office of sheriff .... It has been my honor to serve in that capacity,” he said.

Dunlap has been sheriff since 1992, having been elected to seven terms in office, the most for any Lake County sheriff.

A life-long resident of the county, he began his career as a deputy sheriff in 1973. Over the next 46 years he would serve as a deputy, deputy sergeant and deputy lieutenant.

Dunlap served as one of the first team members of the first SWAT team formed in Ohio, and also worked as a special investigator for the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.

He has been an instructor in the Basic Police Academy; instructor for the Ohio Sheriff’s Administrative Training school; and was the first certified sheriff in Ohio for Drug and Alcohol Treatment.

Throughout the course of his career, Dunlap has received numerous honors, including the Lake County Bar Association Liberty Bell Award, recognizing him for promoting the principles of the United States Constitution. He twice received the Lake County Blue Coats Award as the

outstanding police officer in the county for excellence in service.

He also received the Deputy of Year award when he was recognized as the outstanding deputy at the sheriff’s office prior to being elected sheriff. In addition, he was honored by Riverside High School in his induction to the Hall of Fame.

Recognized by Concord Township as the Citizen of the Year, he also received the Distinguished Service award from the Painesville Township School District. Dunlap was also named NAACP Man of the Year, and most recently was recognized as Leader of the Year by Leadership Lake County.

“Suffice it to say, Sheriff Dunlap has accomplished much over his 46 years in law enforcement, and his service to Lake County and its citizens is immeasurable,” said Chief Deputy Sheriff Frank Leonbruno. “He has worked tirelessly to hire exceptional people in every division of the sheriff’s office, enrolled them in great training and empowered them to excel in service to the community they serve.”

During the meeting, Dunlap publicly recommended Leonbruno as his successor.

Extending gratitude,

Lake County Commissioner Jerry

Cirino said Dunlap’s retirement marks the end of an era.

“You are synonymous with law enforcement in Lake County,” he added. “You’ve served well for a long time and you get your job done. To have somebody running the sheriff’s department who doesn’t need a lot of maintenance from us is a good thing.

“We certainly hope you won’t be too far away from the county.”

Dunlap