MADERA — Tyson Pogue is officially Madera County’s new top cop. “I am truly humbled and honored as I stand here today,” Pogue told the board of supervisors Tuesday morning after being sworn in as sheriff. “I am so appreciative of the support of my co-workers, fellow law enforcement professionals and of course the board.”
“These are challenging times but I’m up for the challenge,” Pogue added. “As your sheriff, my fundamental duty will be to serve the community; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation and the peaceful against violence or disorder — and to support and defend the constitutional rights of all to liberty, equality and justice.”
A 19-year veteran in the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, Pogue had been serving as former Sheriff Jay Varney’s undersheriff. Varney retired his badge last month to become Madera County’s top administrator and passed the mantle of command to Pogue, his hand-picked successor.
At Tuesday’s board of supervisors meeting, Varney donned his MCSO uniform one more time to swear Pogue in — and wish him well.
“We are in tumultuous times in law enforcement as we stand here today,” Pogue told supervisors. “Community relationships are in peril, budgets are strained and the dynamics of policing are rapidly changing…”
“We will not succumb to the despicable acts of a few wretched individuals who tarnish the badge we so proudly wear,” the new sheriff added. “We will rise above and demonstrate what it means to lead with integrity, honor and courage.”
Last week, (June 9), supervisors voted to formally appoint Pogue, 40, who grew up in Oakhurst and began his law enforcement career as a mountain patrol deputy with MCSO. He’s also had supervisory roles with the department’s K-9 squad, dive team and narcotics unit.
Tyson Pogue graduates from the FBI National Academy
And like his predecessor Sheriff Varney, Pogue is also a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Pogue will serve out the remainder of Varney’s second term, which expires Jan. 2, 2023.
By law, the County was prohibited from holding a special election to fill the sheriff’s position. If supervisors did not appoint Pogue, their only other option to fill the position was to hold a lengthy public interview process.
During last week’s board meeting, a parade of high-profile local officials endorsed Pogue, including District Attorney Sally Moreno and CAL FIRE Chief Matt Watson.
“Tyson has done an excellent job — in times of calm and in times of crisis,” Moreno told supervisors.
“Tyson has been a great partner for us,” Watson added.
District 5 Supervisor Tom Wheeler agreed. “Tyson’s the right guy for the job,” he said. “This is a new era for Madera County.”
