Spunaugle running for sheriff

“The only regret I have is not going into law enforcement sooner,” said Montgomery County Chief Deputy Jon Spunaugle, who is running for Montgomery County Sheriff.

Spunaugle, who has been Chief Deputy for a little more than 11 years; and in law enforcement since 1998, is running unopposed in the June 2 primary election.

Montgomery County Sheriff Joe Sampson is not seeking another term and added he’s pleased Spunaugle’s running for sheriff.

“Jon is a good man and will be a great sheriff. He has been my chief deputy for 12 years and I am proud of the work we have done together,” said Sampson. “When I was ill, he did a great job handling the office. He has a great staff to work with, and together, we will make an easy transition through this election process for the people of Montgomery County.”

Spunaugle started with the Red Oak Police Department in 1998 and became a member of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office in 2000. He was the county’s K-9 officer for several years before being promoted to chief deputy by Sampson.

“It was in the plan I would run for sheriff when Joe retired,” Spunaugle said “From the beginning, Joe has allowed me to be integral in the office when it comes to the budget, jail and so forth. If I am elected sheriff, it will be a seamless transition.”

Being in law enforcement, described Spunaugle, is very rewarding. He added it’s even better getting to do so in southwest Iowa.

“I wouldn’t want to do this anywhere else,” he said “Twenty-two years in I still enjoy getting up in the morning and going to work.”

If elected sheriff, Spunaugle said he will have to designate a few of his current responsibilities to a different deputy; mainly narcotics investigating, but that he can fully count on everybody in the department. He added the department is fortunate to have positive relationships with the Red Oak Police Department, Iowa State Patrol and surrounding counties.

“It could be considered odd we all get along and help one another out; it’s not like that in other areas of the state,” he commented.

A sheriff’s office is more than law enforcement, Spunaugle said. They also serve as the clerk to the court, responsible for the jail, gun permit, mental commitals, garnishments, sheriff’s sales, and all civil service for the court.

A Clarinda High School graduate and a member of the Montgomery County Conservation Board, Spunaugle enjoys hunting, fishing and gardening in his free time. He has been married to his wife, Tracy, for 30 years. The couple has three sons, Jarod, Jacob and Jon, who are each deputy sheriffs in the state of Iowa.