08/18/2026
Boulder County Sheriff’s Office unveils historical display highlighting law enforcement history in Lyons
Boulder County, Colo. - The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office unveiled a new historical display Monday, Aug. 17, at the Sheriff’s Office substation in Lyons, highlighting the community’s long and unique law enforcement history.
The display, which took approximately three years to research, develop and complete, chronicles the evolution of law enforcement in Lyons and the generations of people who have served the community.
The exhibit was organized, researched and curated by the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office Historical Committee, a group composed of retired Sheriff’s Office volunteers and sworn staff.
Historical Committee members:
Retired Undersheriff Tom Shomaker
Retired Capt. Bill McCaa
Retired Capt. Chuck Pringle
Retired Division Chief Phil West
Retired Sgt. Ray Sarno
Retired Sgt. Wanda Sterner
Retired Sgt. Dale Goetz
Retired Detective Mark Van Ark
Retired Detective Sandra Long
Retired Deputy Cathy Bryarly
Retired Volunteer Becky Stewart
Special thanks to the Lyons Redstone Museum staff for their assistance throughout the project.
The exhibit recognizes former town marshals, police chiefs and town sergeants, as well as the longstanding partnership between the town of Lyons and the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, which has provided law enforcement services to the community for decades.
The display also highlights several significant and high-profile cases that have occurred in the Lyons area, providing a look at events that have helped shape the history of law enforcement in the community.
Another part of the exhibit focuses on the history of The Depot, the historic building that now serves as the Sheriff’s Office substation in Lyons. The building has been a recognizable part of the community for generations and continues to serve Lyons in a new capacity today.
“This display is about preserving the history of the people who have served Lyons and recognizing the longstanding relationship between the community and the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Curtis Johnson said. “A tremendous amount of work went into bringing this history together, and we are proud to share it with the community.”
Historical photographs, information and other materials were gathered and organized over the course of the three-year project to help tell the story of law enforcement in Lyons and preserve that history for future generations.
The display will remain at the Sheriff’s Office substation following its unveiling and is expected to be presented at the Lyons Community Library and Lyons Redstone Museum in the coming months, giving additional community members and visitors an opportunity to learn more about Lyons’ law enforcement history.
