Statement on the Role of the Sheriff in Wildlife Management and Public Safety
Recently, there has been quite a lot of attention on social media and in traditional media, news broadcasts, newspaper articles, and the like regarding the California Gray Wolf. With all this attention, I’ve been asked: Why is the Sheriff’s Office involved, and why are we being so vocal about the wolves? That’s a great question, and I’d like to shed some light on the subject.
The Office of the Sheriff is not just another agency, it is a constitutional office, established to serve as the direct representative of the people in matters of law and public safety. The Sheriff is elected by the citizens of the county and is entrusted with upholding the Constitution, protecting individual liberties, enforcing the law, and preserving the safety and security of our communities. That duty does not stop at complex issues, it extends to wherever the people of this county need protection, including in conflicts involving wildlife.
In small rural counties like ours, deputy sheriffs are often called upon to wear many hats. We respond not only to criminal complaints, but also to wildlife incidents, search and rescue operations, civil issues, and other urgent matters that impact the safety and welfare of our residents and visitors. These are not optional responsibilities; they are necessary ones.
We strive to work with our state and federal partners; however, those agencies are not elected by our citizens and are not directly accountable to the people of this county. The Sheriff is. In many cases, especially in remote areas or after hours, our deputies are the only ones available to respond when danger threatens.
As Sierra County Sheriff, I take seriously my constitutional obligation to defend our communities. Your sheriff’s office is both the first and last line of defense when it comes to protecting life, liberty, property, and the values we hold dear. That includes confronting the impacts of wildlife conflicts when they threaten public safety, private property, and the rural economy that sustains this county.
As Sheriff, I cannot thank the men and women who serve the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office enough. From our patrol deputies to our dispatchers-corrections officers, and administrative staff, each one plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations that keep our county safe.
I am proud to serve alongside them – Sheriff Mike Fisher
