Axlund for Sheriff
Coconino County, Arizona
Early Years
Bret was born and raised in Southern California. He is the oldest of three siblings. His parents Don and Julie Axlund were small business owners and devoted parents. Bret graduated with his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from Northern Arizona University. He loved the area and began his career with the Coconino County Sheriff's Office as a Detention Officer in the Coconino County Detention Facility.
Family
Volunteer Coaching
Bret is married and has two sons with his wife Michele. Bret and Michele lived in Page, AZ for over 20 years where he was active with coaching his sons in Little League, soccer, and flag football. While active in educating the public about water safety he also started the Youth Scuba Dive program, volunteered at his church and Special Olympics. Bret and his family moved to Flagstaff and enjoy the mountains and activities the area has to offer.
Dedicated to Service
Successful Fishing
Bret has over 27 years of law enforcement and public safety experience. His career in law enforcement spans a diverse array of specialty Certifications.
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Experience:
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Detention Officer I/II Coconino County Sheriff's Office 1996-1997
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Deputy Sheriff, Coconino County Sheriff's Office, Page, Arizona 1997-2011
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Sergeant, Coconino County Sheriff's Office, Page, Arizona 2012-2014
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Lieutenant, Coconino County Sheriff's Office (Detention and Patrol), Page, Arizona 2015-2017
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Chief Deputy, Coconino County Sheriff's Office, Flagstaff, Arizona 2017-Present
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Certifications:
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Drug Recognition Expert Instructor IACP# 10206
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Arizona POST HGN/SFST Instructor
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Drug Impairment Training for Education Professionals Instructor
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Watercraft Law Enforcement and Tactics Instructor
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Basic Incident Command School
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Coconino County Performance Management Training
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Applied Search Management School
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Arizona POST General Instructor
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Advanced Boating Accident Investigation
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Advanced Accident Investigation
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Basic CORE Community Policing Training
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Basic and Intermediate Technical Rescue Courses
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Law Enforcement Phlebotomist
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Arizona Homicidal Drowning Investigation Training
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Certified Expert Witness-Boat Accident Investigation - Coconino Superior Court Division 1
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Marine Theft Investigator School
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Arizona Law Enforcement Academy
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Basic Narcotic Investigation School
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Arizona Game and Fish Boating Education Instructor
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Crime Scene Investigation School
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Active Shooter Deployment Training
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Forensic Crimes for Death Investigators
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High Risk Tactical Team Patrol Procedures School
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Field Training Officer
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Basic Drug Investigations/Identification Training
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Awards & Recognitions​
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2010 VFW Officer of the Year Award
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2006 CCSO "Celebrating Success" Award
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2003 Director's Citation for Professional Excellence - Arizona Department of Public Safety
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2000 National Water Safety Congress Award
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1998 Meritorious Service Award - Coconino County Sheriff's Office
Education
Master in Arts in Management, 2022
American Public University
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Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, 1994
Northern Arizona University
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Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, 2019
FBI Academy - Quantico, Virginia
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