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COURT NOTICE!:   No Motions Court (Criminal/Civil) on Thursday, May 7th 2026.  Please see Court Administration with emergencies.

About Us

About Us

Vision Statement

The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office envisions a safer, stronger community built on trust, service, and the unwavering protection of individual rights. We will be a model of modern, ethical law enforcement, driven by our core values of honor, courage, and commitment.


Mission Statement

Driven by honor, integrity, and public service, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office protects our community through ethical, professional, and accountable law enforcement. With a focus on high Standards, consistent Training, operational Efficiency, and strong Professionalism, we serve the public, support the justice process, protect individual rights, and uphold the rule of law with transparency and respect.


Sheriff's Office

The office of sheriff has a long history in Pennsylvania. Its origins can be traced back to colonial days, an influence of early Dutch and English settlers. The Constitution of the Commonwealth was written to include a requirement that all counties have a sheriff.

Sheriffs have been elected by the people since 1838. Prior to that time, voters chose two or more candidates, from whom the governor chose one to fill the position. See Chronology Of County Sheriff’s.

The sheriff performs various duties and has much responsibility. The sheriff is a “peace officer”, mandated to keep the peace and quell disturbances. He can make arrests, conduct searches, seize property that is used illegally, remove nuisances, and issue firearm licenses. A sheriff can also act as a coroner when that office is vacant. Originally, sheriffs were in charge of jails and prisons throughout the counties of Pennsylvania, however, this is no longer common practice. He also performs tasks concerning the maintenance of order during elections.

The sheriff is an “Officer of the Courts”. He serves writs, processes, orders, and notices issued by the courts. He takes part in the selection of jurors and is responsible for summoning them. The sheriff makes civil arrests, takes bail in civil cases and conducts prisoners to their place of confinement. He is responsible for the execution of various judgments of the courts, including the sale of real estate and personal property. After such a sale, the sheriff distributes the proceeds to the parties entitled to them and makes a return to the court.

The Sheriff and Deputy’s are always available and will be able to assist you with most of your questions or concerns you may have.


Enter the doors of the Government Center and pass through security. The Sheriff’s office is the first office on the right once you pass through security.

If there is an emergency, you may dial 911 to obtain emergency assistance.

The Sheriff performs various duties and has much responsibility in serving the courts and the public. If you require a meeting with the Sheriff, it is best to call prior to visiting to ensure he is available to meet with you.

Our deputies are always available and will be able to assist you with most of your questions or concerns you may have.

Chronology of Sheriffs

1849-1852  David Emery
1853-1855  Andrew B. Allen

1856-1858  Robert Gailey

1859-1861  Silas Stevenson

1862-1864  Andrew B. Allen

1865-1867  Thomas McConnell

1868-1870  David C. Rhodes

1871-1873  James Davies

1874-1876  James H. Cooper

1877-1879  William B. Miller

1880-1882  Alexander Richardson

1883-1885  William F. Douds

1886-1888  William G. Warnock

1889-1891  Samuel W. Bell

1892-1894  William Douthett

1895-1897  William Becker

1898-1900  Charles Matthews

1901-1903  James H. Brown

1904-1906  Edwin I. Ayers

1907-1909  John Waddington

1910-1913  Robert H. Whaley

1914-1917  Carl S. Johnston

1919-1921  Joseph H. Boyd

1922-1925  William G. Andrews

1926-1929  Harrison M. Reynolds

1930-1933  Frank H. Johnston

1934-1937  Edward D. Pritchard

1938-1941  Merle M. Ingham

1942-1945  Clyde D. Badger

1946-1965  Frank L. Coen

1966-1989  George Sigler

1990-2005  Robert L. Clark

2006-2026  Perry L. Quahliero

2026-Present  Vincent Martwinski