Sgt. Nabil Gubash of the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office will be leaving for Florida later this month to participate as a torch runner for the Special Olympics. 

Gubash, originally from Lino Lakes and currently residing in Blaine, has been serving with the Sherburne County Sheriff’s office for 16 years. He has previously served with the Lino Lakes Police and with the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office.

Gubash graduated from Centennial High School. It was during high school that Gubash realized he wanted to go into law enforcement. He would help break up fights among his peers in school, even when it made him unpopular. He realized that he always wanted to be the one to help out in the community. So, he enrolled in a boy scout program that offered students first hand experience with police work, and Gubash was hooked. 

He went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Metro State University and a Master’s in Police Leadership from St. Thomas. 

Gubash became a part of the Sheriff’s Office in 2006, and was promoted to sergeant in 2014. Currently, he oversees transportation and court operations, which keeps him plenty busy, as he transports wanted individuals, helps with government building campus security, and does contract work with the U.S. Marshall’s Office.

“There’s not enough time in the day,” Gubash said with a laugh.

Somehow, Gubash has made time in the past to also raise awareness and donations for the Special Olympics as the torch runners came through Sherburne County. Thanks to his efforts and those of his colleagues, Sherburne County has raised the most money in the state of Minnesota for the Special Olympics for two years in a row. 

So, Gubash was asked to participate as a torch runner this year, representing Minnesota. Gubash said he felt honored to have been selected. 

Gubash will be running the torch from Miami to Orlando later this month, teaming up with Special Olympic Athlete Brett Harper. Gubash said he’s a little anxious about trying to keep up with the athlete, and has been training to make sure he can run the nine minute mile the Special Olympics want him to. In total, Gubash suspects he will be running about 12 miles per day. 

Gubash said the Special Olympics are important to him because he has a cousin, Jon, who is his same age, and who has shown him how special individuals with intellectual disabilities can be. 

Sgt. Gubash will be taking part in the torch run from May 30 to June 6.