Western States
Sheriffs’ Association
Come In. Connect. Collaborate.
Sheriffs in the Western US face unique challenges.
You don’t have to face them alone.
A WSSA Membership will help you:
Build an alliance when facing distinctive concerns
Develop partnerships among Sheriffs from neighboring states
Connect with other Sheriffs who understand your experiences
Find an avenue to discuss matters unique to the Western U.S.
We know the role of Sheriff in the western United States is complex.
You want to serve your community with confidence and expertise. The problem is, Sheriffs in the Western U.S. often feel isolated—confronting each pressing matter independently. With such diverse terrain that includes large cities, sparse rural areas, massive federal lands, facing all of the issues that arise can feel like a constant uphill climb.
At Western States Sheriffs Association, we get it.
We know how important connection and collaboration are to law enforcement executives. A western Sheriff must balance matters like tribal concerns, floods, fires, and search and rescue alongside jails and other traditional responsibilities. That’s why we offer partnerships and provide timely resources. We help empower the office of Sheriff as we face concerns entirely unique in the western U.S.
Develop partnerships for the concerns you face every day.
JOIN WSSA
Registration Is easy and affordable for even small agencies
ATTEND OUR CONFERENCE & TRAINING
We meet annually In Reno, NV and offer training opportunities throughout the year.
Strengthen your Service to Your Community
Protect the Interests of your community and serve them well.
Diamond Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Legacy Sponsors
The mission of the Western States Sheriffs’ Association is to assist sheriffs and their offices with federal and state legislative issues, address policy and procedural matters, develop guidelines to promote uniformity in matters that are important to sheriffs of the western United States and to work together to keep the office of the Sheriff strong.
A Message From Our President
It is with humility and a deep commitment to our shared mission that I accept the honor of
serving as your president of the Western States Sheriff’s Association (WSSA). Standing
before a group of leaders who represent the backbone of public safety across the vast and
diverse landscape of the American West is both an inspiration and a reminder of the weight
we all carry on our shoulders.
The Office of Sheriff is unlike any other in the American legal system. We are not merely
department heads; we are the only law enforcement officials that directly answer to the
people. This direct accountability creates a unique bond of trust and a mandate to protect
not just the peace, but the constitutional rights of every citizen in our jurisdictions. In the
West, the role of the sheriff carries a greater historical and practical weight. From our
metropolitan hubs to the most remote and rural counties, the Sheriff remains the primary
symbol of stability and justice. We are the stewards of the land, the protectors of our
neighborhoods and the ultimate line of defense for the rule of law.
The extent of our strength does not reside solely in our individual offices. It resides here – in
this association. The WSSA is the collective voice of the Western Sheriff and together, along
with our partner entities we can affect significant change. During his time as WSSA
president, Sheriff Mark Dannels coined the phrase “America’s Sheriffs” as a moniker of
strength in numbers often using the reference in discussions to impact important policy
decisions. We do in fact enjoy strength in numbers and we must rely on each other with a
single voice to protect the office of sheriff.
The success of this association is directly proportionate to the involvement of its
membership. We are the best when we share our experiences, our innovations, our
struggles and our successes. I am calling on each of you to engage in association activities
this year. Whether through committee work, legislative outreach, or simply showing up to
support a colleague in a neighboring state, your active participation is the fuel that drives
our influence. When we speak as a unified body representing our 19 states, our voice is
impossible to ignore.
One of my primary goals for this term is to forge and fortify strategic partnerships with other
national entities. We will remain active in the American Sheriff Alliance discussing the most
pressing needs of sheriffs across the country. At a national level, policy discussions often
lack the nuance of the issues we all face at a ground level. We will work with legislative
bodies and federal agencies to communicate our positions and seek common sense
action.This year will undoubtedly bring trials we have not yet anticipated. I am confident that by
leaning into our heritage as Sheriffs and our unity as an association, we will not only meet
those challenges but will emerge stronger.
I am eager to work alongside each of you. Thank you for your trust, your dedication, and
your tireless service to your communities. Let’s get to work.
Respectfully,
Sheriff Tracy Glover
Kane County, Utah
The Story of the Sheriff’s Saddle
It’s a plain saddle, not covered in fancy silver Conchos or a lot of tooling. This is a practical, tough working saddle. The saddle sets empty of a rider, representing that the Office of Sheriff will have many occupants over time. You will notice that the stirrups on this saddle are adjustable, representing its need for adaptability to the persons who will occupy the saddle over time.
Attached along the right side is a scabbard and rifle representing the dangers that a sheriff will face while in office. He must be prepared to bravely face those dangers.
Attached to the back of the saddle are leather saddle bags. In the right saddlebag, you will find an ammunition pouch. That pouch carries an extra box of ammunition for the Sheriff’s rifle. This represents the dedication and endurance a Sheriff must demonstrate as he must be prepared for a long, tough fight. Also, in the right saddle bag is a Bible. The Bible represents the Sheriff’s commitment to a cause greater than himself. It represents honor, integrity, and eternal thoughts.
In the left saddlebag, protected in a leather pouch, are copies of the United States Constitution. The Sheriff must keep his solemn word to uphold and defend this sacred document.
Sitting next to the saddle is the Sheriff’s hat. Throughout his work, the Sheriff must protect his vision. He must be able to see his way clearly, and his hat protects him from the sun, the wind, and the rain.
Hanging off the saddle horn is a bridle and a set of spurs. The bridle and reins represent the Sheriff’s responsibility for directing his agency. The Sheriff also uses the spurs to signal the need to move forward or to pick up the pace, and a touch of the reins slows things down. Over time, a wise and practiced Sheriff learns to give subtle cues by simply shifting his weight in the saddle and finds that he only needs a light touch of the reins and spurs.
The Sheriff also carries a supply of hardtack in his saddlebags and a canteen of water slung around the saddle horn. The sheriff needs these things to maintain his strength. Tied behind his saddle is a bedroll. The bedroll represents the many long and cold nights that the Sheriff will spend away from his home.
In addition to the bedroll, there is a slicker draped across the back of his saddle. Throughout the journey, the Sheriff will encounter many storms. He must be prepared to weather the storms and do so under the protection of his duster.
