𝗔𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗸
𝗕𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗳 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿

As we enter the third quarter of 2025, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office continues making steady progress on critical infrastructure upgrades and operational improvements that enhance our ability to serve the citizens of Osage County.

At the Osage County Jail, we recently resolved a significant, long-standing plumbing issue in one of the inmate housing areas. With the support of the Osage County Commissioners, we completed this $30,000 repair—eliminating a problem that had persisted for years. Additionally, we’ve implemented a new RFID tracking system to streamline inmate checks, improving both accountability and safety within the facility.

In July, we entered into a new contract with Dr. Rumsey, a local physician, to provide inmate medical services. We believe this partnership will not only enhance the quality of care for those in custody but also be more cost-effective for the county.

Looking ahead, with approval from the County Commissioners, we will soon begin construction of a new 150-by-50-foot multipurpose facility. This building will provide long-term evidence storage and serve as a central hub for Osage County Emergency Management operations. Two-thirds of the structure will be dedicated to secure storage for evidence, with the remaining third supporting emergency management functions. This project was identified as a top priority early in my term. We anticipate completion by spring 2026, with the Sheriff’s Office funding two-thirds of the project cost and Emergency Management covering the remainder.

On the patrol side, I am pleased to report that we are now operating at full staffing, with five deputies assigned to each 12-hour shift. This allows for improved patrol coverage and faster response times countywide.

Our School Resource Officer (SRO) program has also expanded significantly. We now have six SROs serving nine school districts. While most districts still share an SRO, we’re proud to announce that starting this school year, the Shidler School District will receive full-time SRO coverage under a new agreement in which the district funds the salary during the academic year. We remain committed to expanding this program to enhance school safety across the county.

The investigations division continues to carry a demanding caseload involving major crimes, property crimes, and narcotics enforcement. While this workload has limited our capacity to fully revisit cold cases, we are actively working to move several of them forward. One area we’ve identified for targeted improvement is the investigation of sex crimes. Beginning in August, we will assign a dedicated investigator to handle these cases exclusively, along with a full-time Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigator. This structure is a critical step toward more effectively addressing cases involving sexual predators and safeguarding our most vulnerable citizens. We are actively seeking grant funding and financial support to sustain these specialized roles.

Another important update, Osage County Dispatch has officially assumed responsibility for dispatching police, fire, and EMS services for the City of Pawhuska. This expansion was made possible through a new $100,000 annual contract agreement, further strengthening collaboration and emergency response capabilities.

As always, I remain committed to transparency, accountability, and meaningful progress. I’m proud of the dedication shown by every division within the Sheriff’s Office. Thank you to the people of Osage County for your continued trust and support.

𝓢𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓯𝓯 𝓑𝓪𝓻𝓽 𝓟𝓮𝓻𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓻
𝓞𝓼𝓪𝓰𝓮 𝓒𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓽𝔂 𝓢𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓯𝓯’𝓼 𝓞𝓯𝓯𝓲𝓬𝓮 … See MoreSee Less

🚓🎓 Huge Congratulations to Lane Decker and RJ McCann! 🎉👏

We’re proud to recognize Lane and RJ on their graduation from the CLEET Basic Academy! Your commitment, discipline, and dedication to serving with integrity are truly commendable.

You’ve stepped up to take on a vital role in protecting and supporting our communities — and we couldn't be prouder. Here’s to a future of strong leadership and honorable service. … See MoreSee Less

Welcome to the 79th Annual Cavalcade Rodeo in Pawhuska!

The Osage County Sheriff's Office would like to welcome all contestants, spectators, and visitors to the world's largest amateur Cavalcade Rodeo! Cavalcade is a proud Osage County tradition, bringing spectators and visitors from all of the world to Pawhuska each year for a celebration of Western heritage and community spirit.

This week-long event features 9 exciting rodeo performances and 5 nights of red dirt music and dance under the stars—a true showcase of the Old West and Oklahoma pride.

Our deputies will be on location throughout the week to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. As you celebrate, please be responsible. If you plan to drink, have a plan and a sober driver.

Let’s make it a memorable, safe, and fun Cavalcade.
Sheriff Bart Perrier … See MoreSee Less

OCSO monthly stats for June! … See MoreSee Less

𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝: 𝐎𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲’𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐫
Born: November 22, 1864, Rockport, Missouri
Died: January 1935, Pawhuska, Oklahoma

John Layman Bird was a pioneer of uncommon integrity whose legacy shaped the legal, commercial, and civic foundation of early Osage County, Oklahoma. As the county’s first elected sheriff, a successful frontier trader, and later a banking leader, Bird left behind a legacy of public trust, fair governance, and economic development that endured far beyond his time.

𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲
Bird was born in Missouri just after the Civil War. In 1883, at the age of 18, he was encouraged by his brother—a physician working among the Kaw Nation—to seek opportunity in Indian Territory. He soon found work as a clerk at a Kaw trading post, immersing himself in the diverse cultures and frontier economy of the region.

By January 1885, Bird had relocated to Pawhuska, where he worked with the respected trading firm Dunlap & Florer. Over time, he married the daughter of partner John N. Florer and became a business associate in the rebranded Florer & Bird, operating a general store in Gray Horse and managing a successful cattle ranch. His reputation for fairness and transparency won him lasting respect from both Native and non-Native residents.

𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲
With statehood on the horizon in 1907, Bird announced his candidacy for Sheriff of Osage County as a Democrat. Already a respected businessman and civic leader, his reputation helped him win the confidence of voters across the sprawling and often unruly county.

Bird’s election marked a crucial transition from territorial law enforcement to state-regulated justice. Known for measured judgment and a calm demeanor, Bird brought a sense of order that was sorely needed in the rough-and-tumble oil frontier.

A local newspaper endorsed him with these words:

“Not one word can be said against John Bird. He is honest and fair… His presence in the sheriff’s office will do more toward securing good order in Osage County than all the pistol toters that can be stacked in the office.”
Bird served as sheriff until 1909, when he voluntarily stepped down to pursue growing business interests in banking. Bird’s predecessor as Osage County Sheriff was R.A. Carrell from 1910-1911.

𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐜 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩
Bird’s return to the private sector was no less impactful. In 1906, he helped found the Fairfax National Bank, serving as its first president. After his tenure as sheriff, he and his partners purchased the City National Bank of Pawhuska, where Bird served as vice president.

Through both institutions, he played a vital role in financing ranches, oil development, and local businesses during the early 20th-century boom. His leadership helped stabilize and grow the local economy during periods of rapid expansion and later, economic uncertainty.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐀 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐰𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐤𝐚’𝐬 𝐒𝐤𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞
One of Bird’s most enduring contributions to Pawhuska was the development of the city’s first "skyscraper"—the Triangle Building, currently operated as the Frontier Hotel.

In 1910, U.S. Indian Agent Hugh Pitzer advertised the sale of a triangular public plot at the heart of Pawhuska. Bird placed the winning bid of $12,500, acquiring the land between Main Street, Kihekah Avenue, and Osage Street. Despite legal disputes between federal and local authorities, Bird pressed forward with plans to erect a modern commercial building on the site.

By 1913, construction began, and by November 1914, the completed Triangle Building featured elevator service and five stories, two more than originally planned. The first floor housed retail shops, while professionals, including doctors and lawyers, occupied the upper floors. The building became a symbol of Pawhuska’s modernization and Bird’s forward-thinking vision.

𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲
John L. Bird remained a central figure in Pawhuska's civic and business life until his death in January 1935 at the age of 70. In his later years, he lived in the basement apartment in the Triangle Building—a structure that stood as a testament to his commitment to Osage County’s future. … See MoreSee Less

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day 🇺🇸

As we celebrate the birth of our great nation, we encourage everyone to enjoy the holiday responsibly. Deputies will be out across the county, especially around lakes and community events, to help ensure a safe and enjoyable weekend for all.

Let’s make this a safe and memorable 4th of July.

— Sheriff Bart Perrier
Osage County Sheriff’s Office … See MoreSee Less

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫

As we gear up to celebrate this Independence Day weekend with family, food, fun, and fireworks, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office urges everyone to celebrate safely and responsibly.

Deputies will be actively patrolling area lakes in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rangers and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol’s Marine Enforcement Division. Our focus will include enforcing alcohol laws both on the water and on the road.

🚓 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐤 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐲— if you plan to drink, never get behind the wheel of a car or a boat. Designate a sober driver or make alternate plans to get home safely.

🛟 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐣𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐰𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 — it’s the law and could save a life.

🚤 𝐀𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐱. 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 — and illegal — as driving drunk.

🎇Let’s work together to make this 4th of July holiday one to remember for all the right reasons. Stay safe and enjoy the celebration weekend! … See MoreSee Less

‼️‼️UPDATE 6/29/25 at 3:35 pm, this juvenille has been located‼️‼️

🚨 Runaway Juvenile Alert 🚨
Osage County Sheriff's Office

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office is currently seeking the public’s assistance in locating a reported runaway juvenile:

Name: Skylee Alpine Smithey
Race: White
Sex: Female
Age: (15 years old)
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 120-125 lbs
Hair: Blonde
Eyes: Brown

Skylee was last seen at approximately 8:00 p.m. on June 28, 2025, at a residence located on 124th W. Ave, Skiatook, Oklahoma (Osage County).

She was wearing a navy-blue hoodie, light gray jogging pants, and Nike crew socks.

If you have any information on her whereabouts, please contact the Osage County Sheriff’s Office at (918) 287-3131 or your local law enforcement agency immediately. … See MoreSee Less