CUTLINE: Brad Gardner (back center) took the oath of office as the city's new police chief after being approved by the Fayette City Council Monday night. Administering the oath is Mayor Bill Dohrmann. Also pictured are Gardner's wife, Cristy (seated), holding A.J., and other children Devon, 10, and Bella, 13. (Janell Bradley photo)

New Fayette police chief sworn in

Janell Bradley
Contributing Writer

The City of Fayette has a new police chief. 

Brad Gardner, 44, comes to Fayette from the Waukee Police Department, where he was second-shift supervisor.

The Ottumwa native graduated from high school there in 1987. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served in Desert Storm. He studied business administration at the University of Northern Iowa. He then pursued a career in law enforcement, starting out in corrections. He also held positions as a police officer in Monroe and in Manchester, where he worked in investigations and interrogations.

Gardner replaces Dusty Dunn, who resigned as the city's police chief in March. Dunn's resignation prompted the council to consider contracting for law enforcement, rather than maintain its own police force. In the end, the City chose to work with a team of peace officers from around Iowa in seeking a new police chief. The team assisted with selecting a pool of candidates and conducting interviews.

The new officer took the oath of office at Monday's City Council meeting. He joins police Officer Sierra Fox, who has been working part-time while completing the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.

Gardner and his wife, Cristy, have three children, Bella, 13; Devon, 12; and 10-month-old A.J. In his free time, the city's new police chief enjoys golfing, fishing, camping and otherwise spending time with his family. He said he and his wife believe the community of Fayette well suits their lifestyle and love for small communities.

Meet and greet Brad Gardner

The Fayette community is invited to attend a meet-and-greet session with Fayette’s new police chief, Brad Gardner, and his family from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 9, in the library ICN Room. Cookies, coffee and ice water will be served.

Fayette Community Library is located at 104 W. State Street.