The Sheriff’s of Modoc County
By Shirley Arena, courtesy of Modoc County Historial Society

The history of Modoc County has often involved its sheriffs, sheriffs commissioned to maintain law and order. Since Modoc County was established in 1874 its remote location, sparse population, and vast landscape have promoted a large range of exclusive law enforcement situations.

Verbiage is courtesy of the Modoc County Historical Society as well as author Shirley Arena. Photographs were supplied by the Modoc County Museum. The Modoc County Sheriff’s Department and the author found the photographs for all 20 sheriffs except one, Edward D. Hager, who was elected in 1898. Shirley Arena’s complete research of Modoc County sheriffs is on file at the Modoc County Museum in Alturas.