Chief deputy named acting sheriff

Frank Leonbruno to assume role effective Sept. 1 following Dan Dunlap’s retirement

The Lake County commissioners this week adopted a resolution appointing Chief Deputy Sheriff Frank Leonbruno as acting Lake County sheriff effective Sept. 1.

The action follows the recent announcement of Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap’s retirement after 27 years in the role.

Dunlap, 71, tendered his resignation to the board during its regular session on Aug. 13.

“My last day of service will be (midnight) Aug. 31, 2019,” he said. “It is my intention to make myself available for a smooth transition. I will remain forever grateful to the people of Lake County for entrusting me with the office of sheriff since January of 1992. It has been my honor to serve in that capacity.”

During that meeting, Dunlap later publicly recommended Leonbruno as his successor.

With the commissioners’ unanimous vote, Leonbruno, 61, will serve until the Lake County Republican Party Central Committee convenes at 7 p.m., Sept. 10, at Saint John Vianney Church Community Center in Mentor to select an individual to fill the remainder of the term.

Though the Ohio Revised Code empowers the committee to choose its own officer, it’s presumed Leonbruno will be validated by the body to remain in the position until the November 2020 General Election.

“All three commissioners have tremendous confidence in Frank, and we’re also confident the Committee will validate our appointment,” said Lake County Commissioner Jerry Cirino.

After the appointment, Leonbruno, who has filed petition to run for sheriff in the March 17, 2020 Republican primary, expressed his gratitude the board.

“It’s an honor to work for the Sheriff’s Office,” Leonbruno said. “I’ve worked there 30 years, and it’s been an honor to work with Sheriff Dunlap over

those years, and a lot of phenomenal individuals, so it would be an honor to lead them.”

CHAD FELTON — THE NEWS-HERALD Lake County Commissioner Ron Young stands with Lake County Chief Deputy Sheriff Frank Leonbruno, second from left, and fellow Commissioners Jerry Cirino and John Hamercheck in chambers on Aug. 20. Following the recent retirement announcement of Sheriff Dan Dunlap, the board unanimously adopted a resolution during the regular session to appoint Leonbruno acting sheriff effective Sept. 1.