Clay County Sheriff's Office

10/28/2026

MORE THAN $316,000 SECURED FOR CLAY COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is working to strengthen public safety and make county resources go further.

Across multiple funding cycles, our grant writing efforts have secured $316,380.70 in outside funding through eight grant awards and three body armor reimbursement payments. These funds help provide equipment our personnel need while limiting additional demands on the county’s operating budget.

Here is what that funding supports:

Patrol Vehicles: $96,500.00
Two Ford Explorer Police Interceptors equipped for law enforcement service.

Portable Radios: $75,350.10
Thirty portable radios and related equipment to improve communications between deputies, dispatch, and other emergency responders.

Bullet Resistant Shields: $61,544.80
Sixteen ballistic shields to help protect deputies during dangerous calls and critical incidents.

Patrol Unit Equipment: $28,128.00
Emergency lightbars, controllers, mounting equipment, and installation for 12 patrol vehicles, improving safety during traffic stops, crash investigations, and emergency responses.

R***e Resistant Armor Plates: $12,384.68
Thirty-four r***e resistant armor plates to provide additional protection for our personnel. This grant included no local match.

Tactical and Rescue Equipment: $12,031.96
Specialized equipment to improve deputy safety, emergency access, and rescue capabilities.

Rural Support Safety: $11,916.21
Equipment and radio communications for the county’s existing ATV, supporting searches, disaster response, and access to areas standard patrol vehicles cannot reach.

Body Cameras: $9,522.23 in grant funding
Fifteen body cameras, mounting and docking equipment, and video storage to support evidence collection and accountability. A $3,174.08 match from the Seizure Fund brought this camera project’s total cost to $12,696.31.

Body Armor through the Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership: $9,002.72 in reimbursements
Three reimbursement payments toward $18,182.16 in protective vest purchases. The 50% matching share for these vest purchases is paid using seizure funds.

Securing this funding takes sustained work, from researching opportunities and documenting equipment needs to preparing applications, completing reimbursement requests, and meeting program requirements. For a small rural agency, that effort helps us meet important needs with less pressure on the county budget.

Every public dollar deserves careful oversight. Our responsibility is to protect Clay County, support the personnel who serve our community, and spend public funds wisely. We will continue pursuing funding opportunities that address documented needs and support those priorities.

Thank you for your continued support of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

10/20/2026

Update: The truck tractor fire will have 287 northbound shut down for quite some time. There will be hazmat, cleanup and removal of the vehicle that will take a lot of time. The cargo of the vehicle has been determined as non-hazardous and not a danger to the traveling public. If traveling in the area northbound seek alternative routes of travel. 

10/20/2026

A semi-truck tractor fire on northbound US Highway 287 at N. Butler Rd. has both lanes of Highway 287 north shut down backing up to FM 2393 in Jolly. Use extreme caution coming through the area and lookout for emergency personnel and slow down. 

10/19/2026

Update: lanes of traffic are now open

A two vehicle crash on Highway 79 northbound just north of FM 2393 has the northbound lane closed down at this time. Watch for traffic backing up and emergency personnel. SLOWDOWN when coming through the area.

10/10/2026

Lt. William Norris had the privilege of visiting with the Cub Scouts tonight at Cub N Pal at Camp Perkins! The scouts got a hands-on look at some of the everyday equipment patrol deputies use to help keep our community safe. Thank you to the scouts and leaders for the opportunity to connect, learn, and share!

10/07/2026

09/28/2026

UPDATE: Highway 79 is now open.

The driver involved in the single-vehicle motorcycle crash on Highway 79 in Dean was transported to United Regional Health Care System, where the driver was later pronounced deceased.

At this time, the cause of the crash is unknown. No other vehicles or persons were involved.

The driver’s identity will not be released pending notification of next of kin.

The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating the crash. Any questions regarding the crash investigation should be directed to DPS.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office extends our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

09/28/2026

Update: Highway 79 is now opened back up.

A motorcycle accident involving a single driver has Highway 79 shut down completely in Dean between Bachman Road and FM 2393. Please avoid the area and look for alternate routes through Dean as emergency personnel are on scene and will remain so for an undetermined about a time.

09/20/2026

We are truly grateful for Keith and his commitment to the Clay County community! Anytime the Sheriff’s Office needs assistance, he answers the call. Keith is a valuable asset and his willingness to help is unmatched.

Over the busy weekend one of our State Park Police went and provided traffic control for the 95th Annual Clay County Pioneer Reunion Parade in Henrietta, TX. We are proud to serve our communities.

09/14/2026

FIRE UPDATE as of 10:00 pm

The latest update from Unified Command is that all forward progress of the fire has been stopped.

A few hotspots and flare-ups remain, and crews are actively addressing those areas. Officials anticipate most of those hotspots will be handled within the next two to three hours as mop-up operations continue.

Heavy equipment will also be used to strengthen containment lines. Crews will remain on scene throughout the night to monitor conditions and respond to any flare-ups.

Command will reassess conditions tomorrow morning when daylight allows for a better overall view of the fire area and any remaining concerns.

We will continue to provide updates if conditions change.

Crews are still on scene at the Arrowhead Fire at FM 2606. Stay out of the area as fire operations are still in process.