Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office

Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office The official page of the Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota. We recognize the web is a 24/7 medium, and your comments are welcome at any time.

The purpose of this site is to present matters of public interest in Otter Tail County, including its many residents, businesses, and visitors. We encourage you to submit your questions, comments, and concerns, but please note this is a moderated online discussion site and not a public forum. However, given the need to manage our staff resources (your tax dollars), we generally only monitor commen

ts and postings during regular business hours. Once posted, Otter Tail County reserves the right to delete submissions that contain:
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Please note that the comments expressed on this site do not reflect the opinions and position of the Otter Tail County government or its officers and employees.

Yesterday, members of the Otter Tail County SWAT Team took on the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association’s 9/11 Stair-Climb Cha...
08/20/2026

Yesterday, members of the Otter Tail County SWAT Team took on the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association’s 9/11 Stair-Climb Challenge as part of our training day.

Together, our team climbed 42,800 stairs.

Fifteen members completed at least the full 2,200-step challenge, representing the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. Several kept climbing beyond that mark. Our members completed the challenge wearing their SWAT vests, some added the challenge of climbing portions in gas masks, and one of our K9 handlers climbed 100 steps carrying his partner, K9 Jocko.

The physical challenge was significant, but the purpose was much greater.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. We climbed to remember the lives lost that day and to honor the first responders who climbed into danger in service to others. It was an opportunity during our training to pause, reflect, and remember the courage, sacrifice, and service demonstrated on 9/11.

The Otter Tail County SWAT Team is a multi-jurisdictional team made up of members from the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office, Fergus Falls Police Department, Wilkin County Sheriff’s Office, and Grant County Sheriff’s Office, serving Otter Tail, Grant, and Wilkin Counties.

We train together. We serve together. And yesterday, we climbed together in remembrance.
42,800 stairs. One team. One purpose. Never forget.

Minnesota Sheriffs' Association
Fergus Falls Police Department
Grant County Sheriff's Office - MN
Wilkin County Sheriff's Office

These two dogs have been hanging around the New York Mills area. They were last seen this morning half mile north of New...
08/19/2026

These two dogs have been hanging around the New York Mills area. They were last seen this morning half mile north of New York Mills on Highway 67. No collars or tags.

Appreciation for our First Responders.Over the past couple of weeks, our communities have experienced numerous traffic c...
08/18/2026

Appreciation for our First Responders.

Over the past couple of weeks, our communities have experienced numerous traffic crashes involving injuries, serious medical emergencies, and fires—including one tragic fire that took the life of a community member.

When these incidents occur, we rely on our volunteer and paid first responders to answer the call. Whether it is a crash, medical emergency, fire, or another crisis, they respond without hesitation. Often, they leave their jobs, families, and other commitments behind to help someone in need.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge and sincerely thank all of our volunteer and paid first responders for their dedication and commitment to the communities they serve.

Many years ago, I had a family member involved in a motor vehicle crash with injuries. In that frightening moment, I knew there would be qualified, trained, and dedicated responders arriving to help. That knowledge brought comfort during an otherwise difficult situation, and it is something I have never forgotten.

To all of our firefighters, rescue squad members, ambulance crews, and other first responders: thank you for your courage, your commitment, and your selfless service. You are there for us during some of the most difficult moments in our lives, and our communities are stronger because of you.

The next time you see someone from our local fire department, rescue squad, or ambulance service, please take a moment to thank them for their service.

Thank you to all of our first responders for everything you do for our communities!

Respectfully, Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons

UPDATED PRESS RELEASE--08/13/26The deceased victim of the fire has been identified as Paulette Venzke, a 77-year-old fem...
08/13/2026

UPDATED PRESS RELEASE--08/13/26

The deceased victim of the fire has been identified as Paulette Venzke, a 77-year-old female who lived at the residence. One family dog is missing and presumed to be deceased from the incident. One Henning fireman was injured in the initial response to the scene. The fireman was treated and released from the hospital, no other injuries were reported. While the investigation is still ongoing, no foul play is suspected.

08/12/2026

🚨 SCAM ALERT 🚨

It has been brought to our attention that someone is again calling people in the community claiming to be from the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office.

The caller is telling people they missed jury duty and have a warrant for their arrest, then trying to collect payment over the phone to resolve the warrant.

⚠️ This is a scam!

Neither the Otter Tail County Sheirff's Office or the Fergus Falls Police Department will ask for payment over the phone.

Do not give the caller any money, gift card information, banking information, Social Security number, or other personal information.

If you receive a call like this, hang up and do not call the number provided by the caller. If you have concerns about whether a legitimate warrant or jury-duty issue exists, contact the appropriate county.

Please share this alert with family, friends, and neighbors—especially those who may be targeted by these calls.

UPDATE: The unaccounted person has been located deceased. The investigation is on going with the Otter Tail County Sh...
08/11/2026

UPDATE: The unaccounted person has been located deceased. The investigation is on going with the Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office and the MN State Fire Marshal's Office

On 08/11/2026 at approximately 0938 hours, the Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office received a call of a house explosion northwest of the city of Parkers Prairie. Responders from area fire departments, EMS and law enforcement were dispatched. The house was fully engulfed upon arrival. One party is unaccounted for at this time.

This is an active scene and the investigation is ongoing. The Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office asks that people refrain from traveling to the location.

Four deputies from the Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office recently participated in a three-day Dive Rescue 1 training he...
08/06/2026

Four deputies from the Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office recently participated in a three-day Dive Rescue 1 training held in Douglas County. The joint training brought together multiple agencies to enhance underwater search and rescue capabilities.

Throughout the course, the deputies received hands-on instruction in underwater evidence documentation and recovery, recovery of various submerged items, and underwater rescue techniques. This valuable training strengthens their skills and preparedness to respond to water-related emergencies and investigations throughout our communities.

We appreciate the dedication of our deputies and the opportunity to train alongside our regional partners to better serve and protect the citizens of Otter Tail County.

K9 Jocko and K9 Koa completed their annual certification through the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) thi...
07/29/2026

K9 Jocko and K9 Koa completed their annual certification through the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) this past week and brought home some hardware for the third year in a row!

They teamed up with the K9 Capo from the Fergus Falls Police Department and took 2nd place team overall. K9 Capo took 1st place in criminal apprehension and K9 Jocko took home 3rd place in obedience. Congratulations!

07/29/2026

Did you lose your trolling motor today in Fergus Falls? Please call dispatch to claim! 218-998-8555

07/27/2026

The Sheriff's Office located a boat canopy along State Highway 78 near Rush Lake. Please contact the non emergency number to retrieve it. 218-998-8555

Address

417 S Court St
Fergus Falls, MN
56537

Telephone

+12189988555

Website

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