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 Sponsor
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
I want to take this opportunity and introduce myself to the membership of WSSA as your newly elected president. I am honored and humbled to serve in this capacity regarding the shared mission of our organization. As a seasoned law enforcement official for the past 4 decades, I have never forgotten the “why” I wear the badge and those I serve. I have never forgotten the blessings and lessons life has provided me that I continue to practice today. Sheriffs can never do it alone, our families and friends are vital to our successes. I will always yield to their support and advice as a proven source of trust. We all need someone, to which WSSA shall always be an extended part of your Sheriffs’ family.
The tradition of WSSA is deep in history and guided by the Office of Sheriff that we all proudly embrace. But, as with any organization, our achievements wouldn’t be possible without the many past-presidents who have led this organization. On behalf of the WSSA membership, please join me in thanking these leaders for accepting this challenge to lead us—Well Done!
As we navigate the complexities of policing over the next year, you have my commitment that I will continue to build upon the successes of WSSA. This will begin by enhancing our membership with hopes of 100% state participation. As your executive board travels the west and beyond, we will continue to showcase and market WSSA. I am a strong believer that our achievements are based on our reputation and influences. Most important, we must all protect the Office of Sheriff. There are many attacks on our offices, but collectively, we must unify to ensure the Office of Sheriff continues to be the office of public trust.
Thank you for the opportunity to help lead WSSA. The trust you have provided me with will never be forgotten. I will do my best to serve WSSA, not by the position I hold, but for the membership within. I welcome your comments, suggestions, and calls. Collectively, we will invest in our legacy while growing upon our community investments. Please be safe out there my friends.
Mark J. Dannels, Sheriff
Cochise County, Arizona
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.
