Union County Sheriff's Office

08/30/2026

The Union County Sheriff's Office coordinated an Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response (ALERRT) training event this weekend at SWCC. The Active Attack Integrated Response (AAIR) component is a 16-hour, 2-day multi-agency training program designed to improve coordination between law enforcement, fire, telecommunicators, and EMS during active threat events. The training starts in the classroom and then moves to live simulations with actors and responders. Jim Stover from the Iowa Department of Public Safety's Governor's School Safety Bureau led the training, along with three other certified instructors.

Agencies participating in the training included the Union County Sheriff's Office, Creston Police Department, Union County Iowa Emergency Management, Afton Police Department, Afton Volunteer Fire Department, Clarke County Sheriff's Office, Osceola Police Department, Harrison County Conservation, Greater Regional Health, and Creston Fire Department. Dispatchers from the Union County and Adair County Sheriff's Offices also took part, sharing scenario details with first responders over the radio. We hope this training is never needed, but we always want to be ready.

08/29/2026

08/20/2026

🇺🇸 THOUGHTS & PRAYERS 🇺🇸

The Iowa State Sheriffs’ & Deputies’ Association extends our thoughts, prayers, and support to the Iowa State Patrol trooper who was shot and injured in the line of duty yesterday.

We stand with the trooper, their family, fellow Iowa State Patrol members, and everyone affected by this incident.

🙏 We’re praying for a swift and full recovery.

Stay strong. Stay safe. We stand with you. 💙

08/11/2026

Law Enforcement will NEVER call and ask for money over the phone!

08/05/2026

Now Hiring – Deputy Sheriff
A career in law enforcement is more than a job. It is an opportunity to serve others, protect your community, and make a difference in the lives of those around you.

The Union County Sheriff's Office is seeking individuals of integrity, professionalism, and strong character who are committed to serving the citizens of Union County with Courage, Community, Commitment, and Compassion.

Whether you are an experienced law enforcement officer looking for a new opportunity or someone who is ready to begin a rewarding career in public service, we encourage you to apply.

We offer:
• Excellent County benefits
• Quality equipment
• Ongoing training
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
• Starting pay dependent upon qualifications and experience

Application Deadline: Friday, August 21, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
POST Examination & Physical Agility Testing: Saturday, September 5, 2026

Applications are available online at https://unioncountyiowa.gov/job-openings/ or may be picked up at the Union County Sheriff's Office.

302 N. Pine St, Creston, IA 50801. (641) 782-8402

If you've been looking for an opportunity to serve something greater than yourself, this may be the career you've been waiting for.

07/22/2026

What a great evening in Afton!

The Union County Sheriff’s Office was proud to join the Afton Police Department for Big Trucks in a Small Town. This annual event gave kids and families the opportunity to get up close with a variety of trucks, heavy equipment, and emergency vehicles.

One of the best parts of our job is building relationships with the community, especially with our youngest residents. Whether they were trying on police gear, climbing into a patrol vehicle, checking out the equipment we use every day, picking up stickers and coloring books, or simply asking questions, it was great to see so many smiling faces and curious minds.

Thank you to everyone who came out and made the evening such a success, and a special thank you to all of the organizers and volunteers who put together another outstanding community event.

We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!

07/20/2026

SCAM ALERT

We had a local family come into the Sheriff’s Office today after losing approximately $6,800 to a phone scam.

The scammers spoofed the Union County Law Enforcement Center’s phone number so it looked like the call was coming from us. They called the parents of an inmate currently being held in our jail and claimed they needed to pay jail fees and a “surety bond” before he could be released.

The caller identified himself as an employee of the Union County Law Enforcement Center and instructed them to send money using Venmo, PayPal, and by scanning barcodes to make deposits.

Please know this: We will NEVER call you and ask you to send money to release someone from jail.

If you ever receive a call like this:
• Hang up.
• Do not send any money.
• Call our office directly using the number you know is ours to verify the information.

Unfortunately, caller ID can be faked, so don’t assume a call is legitimate just because it shows our phone number.

Scams like this are becoming more common, and these criminals are very convincing. Please take a minute to talk with your parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbors about this scam. A simple conversation could save someone thousands of dollars.

If you’re ever unsure whether a call is legitimate, give us a call first. We’d much rather answer your questions than have you become the next victim.

— Brian Bolton
Union County Sheriff

07/11/2026

Ron Piel was stationed out of Union County and is the father of Retired Union County Sheriff Rick Piel. They have both left quite the legacy and an example to live up to. This was a special day for Ron. I am thankful for the Iowa State Patrol’s efforts in creating these meaningful moments.

While training today, Trooper Mike Miller had the opportunity to meet one of the Troopers who proudly wore his badge number before him - Retired Trooper Ron Piel, X-292.

Trooper Piel served the state of Iowa for 37 years, from 1957 to 1994. It was a special moment that highlighted the pride, tradition, and legacy shared by generations of Iowa State Troopers.

05/16/2026

Storms rolled through Union County tonight. While most seek shelter, deputies continue the watch. We hope everyone stayed safe!