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