Clay County Sheriff's Office

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Moorhead, MN
Clay County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer in the County. The Sheriff is an elected official serving a four year term.

The Sheriff’s Office provides policing services to 30 townships and six incorporated cities covering 1,053 square miles. The Clay County Sheriff's Office provides policing services to 30 townships and 6 incorporated cities covering 1,053 square miles.

08/05/2026

Thank you to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Jesse Jahner for hosting the 21st Annual Chiefs and Sheriffs Burger Cook-Off as part of Night to Unite. The friendly competition made it another memorable event.

The competition may be friendly, but the relationships between our agencies are essential. At the end of the day, we are all on the same team when it comes to serving and protecting our region.

I’m also honored to have brought the Burger Cook-Off trophy home to Clay County once again!

07/22/2026

On Monday, we welcomed Deputy Braydon Ortloff to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Ortloff was sworn in by Sheriff Mark Empting and joins our team after serving nearly four years with the Renville County Sheriff’s Office.

Originally from the Detroit Lakes area, Deputy Ortloff attended Minnesota State University Moorhead and previously interned with the Minnesota Department of Corrections in Moorhead.

Please join us in welcoming Deputy Ortloff to Clay County. We look forward to having him as part of our team!

07/14/2026

Today, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office joins the Fargo Police Department and our law enforcement community in remembering Officer Jake Wallin, who was killed in the line of duty three years ago today.

Officer Wallin’s courage, service, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. We continue to keep his family, friends, fellow officers, and the entire Fargo Police Department in our thoughts.

Rest in peace, Officer Wallin.

End of Watch: July 14, 2023

07/08/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor Deputy Scott Rogers.

Deputy Rogers suffered a fatal heart attack while participating in the Clay County Sheriff’s Office physical fitness program. When he did not return home following his shift, a Moorhead Police Department Lieutenant responded to check on him and found him in the weight room of the Law Enforcement Center.

Deputy Rogers served in law enforcement with dedication and professionalism for 25 years. His commitment to public service, his fellow deputies, and the residents of Clay County will never be forgotten.

Thank you, Deputy Rogers, for your service, sacrifice, and lasting impact on our agency and community.

EOW 7/8/2006

07/04/2026

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July! Please celebrate responsibly and enjoy the holiday with family and friends.

06/09/2026

How will you receive the warning? ⚠️

The National Weather Service distributes warnings through several channels to help keep you informed when severe weather threatens. No single alerting method is guaranteed to reach everyone every time, it's important to have multiple ways to receive warnings.

Ways to receive weather warnings include:

📱 Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) – Critical warnings sent directly to compatible mobile phones.

📻 NOAA Weather Radio – A dedicated weather radio can sound an alarm day or night when warnings are issued for your area.

📺📻 Emergency Alert System (EAS) – Emergency messages broadcast through local television and radio stations.

📲💻 Weather Apps and Online Services – Many weather apps and websites provide National Weather Service forecasts, watches, and warnings.

More information
https://www.weather.gov/wrn/wea

06/04/2026

The Clay County Sheriff's Office extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Minnesota State Patrol Lieutenant Tyler Uthe.

We also extend our heartfelt sympathies to the men and women of the Minnesota State Patrol during this difficult time. We stand with you in mourning the loss of a respected leader, colleague, and friend.

Please keep Lieutenant Uthe's family and the entire Minnesota State Patrol family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate the days ahead.

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation.

Memorial Day is more than a holiday — it is a day of reflection, gratitude, and remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day.

We owe a debt that can never truly be repaid to the fallen heroes and the families who carry their memory forward.

Please join me today in remembering and honoring our nation’s servicemen and women who never made it home.

05/22/2026

Today, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognized the dedication, courage, and professionalism of our staff, partner agencies, and community members during an awards ceremony.

We honored 11 individuals who received Lifesaving Awards, Commendable Service Awards, and Medal of Valor Awards for their extraordinary actions and commitment to serving others. Their efforts reflect the very best of public service and teamwork in our community.

We also celebrated the promotional badge pinning of Sergeant Michael Fildes and Lieutenant Nicole Reno. Both leaders bring years of experience, professionalism, and commitment to the Sheriff’s Office, and we are proud to see them continue serving Clay County in their new leadership roles.

A sincere thank you to all of our deputies, corrections officers, records staff, partner agencies, families, and community supporters. Your dedication and sacrifice do not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for everything you do to help keep Clay County safe.

Congratulations to all who were recognized this afternoon!

05/18/2026

Today, we pause to remember Lieutenant Adam Gustafson. His dedication to serving others, commitment to his community, and impact on those who knew and worked alongside him will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the members of the West Fargo Police Department as they reflect on this difficult anniversary.

Thank you for your service, Lt. Gustafson. You are remembered and missed.

Address

911 11 Street N
Moorhead, MN
56560

Telephone

+12182995151

Website

http://claycountymn.gov/165/Sheriffs-Office

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