Leonbruno voted sheriff by Republican Central Committee

There’s a new sheriff in town. In a move surprising no one, Frank Leonbruno was officially validated as Lake County sheriff by the Lake County Republican Central Committee in a unanimous vote on Sept. 10 at Saint John Vianney Church Community Center in Mentor.

The committee’s action follows a resolution unanimously adopted by the

Lake County commissioners on Aug. 20 appointing Leonbruno acting sheriff after

Dan Dunlap announced his retirement a week earlier.

Dunlap, 71, officially retired on Aug. 31, and publicly recommended that Leonbruno succeed him in the position.

Though the Ohio Revised Code empowers the committee to choose its own officer, it was a forgone conclusion Leonbruno would be selected by the body.

Jan Clair, chairwoman of the organization, nominated Leonbruno for the position, which was seconded by Lu Dunlap.

No other nominations were made.

Leonbruno, 61, will remain in the position until the November 2020 General Election, and has filed petition to run for sheriff in the March 17, 2020 Republican primary.

“It’s an absolute honor and I’m proud to continue working with such an outstanding group of individuals at the Sheriff’s Office,” he said.

Leonbruno holds a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix and is a certified executive leader from FBI National Academy program, where active U.S. and international law enforcement personnel seek to

enhance their credentials in their field and to raise law enforcement standards, knowledge, and also cooperation worldwide.

Leonbruno’s experience

includes serving as a corrections officer, corrections sergeant, Lake County Jail captain/administrator, Lake County SWAT Team/ lead hostage negotiator and chief deputy sheriff, a position he’s held since July 2011.

For the past 27 years, Leonbruno has taught at

Lakeland Community College in its criminal justice degree program in the areas of criminal law, criminology and crisis intervention. He is also a graduate of the school’s police academy.

In his new capacity, Leonbruno has appointed Jeffrey Sherwood to the position of chief deputy sheriff. Sherwood recently served as executive lieutenant of the county’s road patrol and court services divisions.

Shift Commander Robert Izzo, Leonbruno noted, will take over Sherwood’s role.

Leonbruno emphasized he’s proud to be trusted with the office of sheriff and looks forward to moving the department forward.

“This is a transition we don’t frequently go through, but we’re ready, and I thank everyone for their support,” he said. “When I started, I had very caring and dedicated people working with me who wanted to make a difference in our county, whether it was in the jail, on the roads, in the courts or in central dispatch and that commitment continues today.

“These phenomenal people are the ones who get the job done every day,” he said. “And, again, I’m honored to be a part of it.”

Leonbruno