About the Sheriff
Sheriff William “Tex” Dowdy was sworn in as the 21st Modoc County Sheriff last month. Sheriff Dowdy and his wife Lesa have been married for twenty-eight years. They moved to Modoc County 25 years ago. They have raised their three children, Ty, Robert and Telese in Alturas. They have two granddaughters Callie and Lacy. Ty is a student at University of Wyoming majoring in Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management. Telese is completing a dental hygienist program this year. Robert is currently a Lance Corporal with the United States Marine Corps and is just finishing up his deployment overseas.
Sheriff Dowdy started his 18 years in Law Enforcement at the Alturas Police Department. He served as a School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, K-9 Handler, Patrol Sergeant and as the Modoc County Drug Task Force Supervisor. Sheriff Dowdy was appointed to Undersheriff by Sheriff Mike Poindexter in 2016. During this time, they were able to increase much needed staffing levels, improve technology and update equipment with the second lowest Sheriff’s Office operating budget in the state of California. “As a Sheriff’s Office, we face significant financial challenges but we look at it as a challenge. Our focus still remains the same. We need to support our staff, provide quality services to the community and diligently work together with our justice partners to maintain the highest level of public trust.” Commented Sheriff Dowdy.
Sheriff Dowdy currently serves on the Strong Family Health Center Board of Directors as the non-affiliated tribal representative. He is a member of one of the six federally recognized tribes of the La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians in San Diego County. He has served on the Masten Ramsey Board and coached softball at both the high school and little league levels.
“I am committed to serving this community with hard work, dedication and transparency," commented Sheriff Tex Dowdy. “Our goals are set high and I will do everything in my power to keep Modoc County safe and thriving. Our team is focused on collaboration, community and a demand for excellence at all levels.”