Meet Reed Reinbold
Candidate for Otter Tail County Sheriff
Reed Reinbold grew up in Henning, Minnesota, and graduated from Henning High School in 1995. After earning an Associate of Science degree from Minnesota State University–Fergus Falls, he transferred to North Dakota State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology in 2002. He then attended Alexandria Technical and Community College and completed his Law Enforcement Certificate later that year.
Reed began his law enforcement career in central Minnesota, serving as a part-time Police Officer for the Parkers Prairie, Henning and Menahga Police Departments and for approximately a year with the Benton County Sheriff's Office. When the opportunity arose to join the Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office, returning home was an easy decision. Reed wanted to build his career serving the communities, neighbors, and families that he knew best.
Over the past two decades, Reed has served Otter Tail County in a variety of roles, including Patrol Deputy, Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, SWAT Commander, Deputy Emergency Manager, and Chief Deputy Sheriff. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to professional development, community partnerships, and building strong public safety services for county residents.
Reed and his wife live on a small hobby farm near Henning, where they have raised their three children. Much of Reed's time outside of work revolves around family. He enjoys watching his children participate in school activities, spending time outdoors, hiking, biking, reading, crossword puzzles, and hunting with his sons.
Reed has also dedicated much of his life to community service outside of law enforcement. He served 16 years on the Henning School Board, including 12 years as Board Chair, and spent 10 years serving on the Lakes Country Service Cooperative Board of Directors. These experiences have strengthened his belief that leadership is about listening, building partnerships, and making decisions that serve the long-term interests of the community.
Today, Reed is running for Sheriff because he believes Otter Tail County deserves experienced leadership, strong community partnerships, and a Sheriff's Office that continues to adapt to the challenges of the future while staying true to its commitment to service. Having spent his career serving the citizens of Otter Tail County, Reed is committed to leading with integrity, professionalism, and a focus on public safety that starts with people.
Leadership and Experience
Leadership at a Glance
· 23+ years of law enforcement experience
· 22+ years with the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office
· Chief Deputy
· SWAT Commander
· Deputy Emergency Manager
· 16 years on the Henning School Board
· 12 years as School Board Chair
· EMT since 1996
Professional Summary
With more than 23 years of law enforcement experience, I have served the citizens of Otter Tail County in a variety of leadership roles including Patrol Deputy, Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, SWAT Commander, Deputy Emergency Manager, and Chief Deputy. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to professional development, community service, and building strong public safety partnerships.
Professional Experience
· Chief Deputy, SWAT Commander & Deputy Emergency Manager – Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office (Present)
· Previous Positions: Detective Sergeant, Patrol Sergeant, Detective, Patrol Deputy
· Deputy Sheriff – Benton County Sheriff’s Office (2003–2004)
· Part-Time Police Officer – Parkers Prairie Police Department
· Part-Time Police Officer – Henning Police Department
· Part-Time Police Officer – Menahga Police Department
Leadership & Specialized Assignments
· Chief Deputy – Oversees daily operations, personnel management, budgeting, policy development, strategic planning, labor relations, and organizational leadership.
· SWAT Commander (2019–Present) – Previously served nine years as Entry Team Member, Assistant Team Leader, and Team Leader.
· Deputy Emergency Manager – Coordinates preparedness and response efforts with local, regional, and state partners.
Education
· Alexandria Technical & Community College – Law Enforcement Certificate (2002)
· North Dakota State University – Bachelor of Arts, Sociology (2002)
· Minnesota State University Fergus Falls – Associate of Science (1998)
· Henning High School Graduate (1995)
Professional Certifications & Training
· Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Leadership Certificate
· Minnesota Homeland Security Emergency Management Basic Certificate
· University of Minnesota Extension Cohort Leadership Certificate
· Nationwide Professional Development Academy: Leadership, Leading with Purpose, and AI Leadership
· Use of Force/TASER Instructor
· Active Shooter Response Instructor
· Low-Light Engagements Instructor
· Crime Scene Instructor
· ALICE Instructor
· Standard Response Protocol Instructor
· CornerHouse Child Forensic Interviewing Certificate
· Interview & Interrogation Certifications
· Internal Affairs & Administrative Investigations Certifications
· Crime Scene & Evidence Processing Certifications
· NTOA Team Leader, SWAT Command I, and SWAT Command II Certifications
· Minnesota Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)
· Minnesota EMT-B (1996–Present)
Community Service & Volunteer Leadership
· Henning School Board – 16 Years; Board-Elected Chair for 12 Years
· Lakes Country Service Cooperative – 10 Years
· Minnesota Service Cooperatives Outstanding Service Award (2022)
· Henning Ambulance Service (1996–2004)
· Battle Lake Rescue (1996–1998)