Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Martin County Sheriff Brad Gerhardt to the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission.

Gerhardt has been the Martin County Sheriff since January 2003. Previously, he was a police officer with the city of Fairmont from 1984 through 2002, and a police officer with the city of Breckenridge from 1978 to 1984. He has received specialized training in homeland security and emergency management, as well as U.S. Department of Justice and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension courses, and is active in numerous professional association and community activities. Gerhardt earned his associate degree in law enforcement from Alexandria Technical Institute in 1978.

Gerhardt, 50, lives in Fairmont with his wife, Nyla. They have three sons, Scott, 27, Luke, 24, and Chris, 23. Gerhardt replaces Olmsted County Sheriff Steven Borchardt on the Sentencing Guidelines Commission as a representative of law enforcement to complete a four-year term that expires on January 3, 2011.

The Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission develops and maintains rational and consistent sentencing standards which seek to reduce sentencing disparity, increase proportionality in sanctions, and ensure more equitable and uniform sentencing for convicted felons. The commission consists of 11 members, including seven appointed by the Governor.