Chief Deputy Paul Ireland began his law enforcement career in 1989 as a patrol officer with the Coon Rapids Police Department, and advanced through the department as a patrol sergeant, detective sergeant, patrol captain, and support services captain. In 2019, he retired as the Deputy Chief of Police, working under then-Police Chief Brad Wise. Ireland obtained a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement from Mankato State University and completed the School of Police Staff & Command from Northwestern University Center for Public Safety.
"I served the citizens of Coon Rapids for over thirty years and retired just before some of the most trying times for our nation. I believe my time away from law enforcement will give me the perspective needed to be an asset as I begin this new chapter. I look forward to serving the citizens of the county and I will strive to uphold the historically excellent standards and reputation of the Anoka County Sheriff's Office,” shares Ireland.