Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Bret Sunner was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance. His 45-year-old killer was sentenced to life imprisonment. He died in prison on January 4, 2015. Officer Sunner had served with the Cedar Rapids Police Department for 3 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IA-4F7ABCFE- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Sunner gave the Cedar Rapids Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Cedar Rapids community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Sunner.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Bret Nathan Sunner is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In IA, 129 of 226 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.1% of this state's fallen. That is 2.9 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Cedar Rapids Police Department, 3 of 6 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Bret Nathan Sunner's cause is highlighted.
How Bret Nathan Sunner Compares
Offender Outcome
Died in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Bret Nathan Sunner is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Bret Nathan Sunner was killed by shotgun; 12 gauge.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Cedar Rapids Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
