Fall River County Sheriff's Office

06/07/2026

FOUND SAFE

For clarification for those who were concerned about an Amber alert not being issued. Amber alerts can only be used when there is a confirmed abduction. This situation did not meet that criteria. The juvenile was only known to be missing. The Facebook post and the basic Everbridge alerts do not have that same criteria and therefore can be issued earlier in cases like these. Had there not been a positive outcome from the search and the alerts the situation may have escalated to an Amber alert. Thankfully the girl was found safe.

If you want to receive everbridge alerts you can sign up using the link on the County website fallrivercountysd.gov

UPDATE - CHILD LOCATED! SHE IS SAFE!!

Update - We are receiving numerous reports that a Juvenile matching her description was seen on the truck bypass in the area of Stay USA around 9:30-9:45 this morning.

Please continue to check cameras and call us with any information.

Missing Juvenile
Essia Lebeaux 10 YO female

The Hot Springs Police Department is seeking the publics help to locate 10 YO Essia Lebeaux. She was last seen at her Hot Springs residence around 10:30 this morning.

She was wearing a red shirt and cut off gray shorts.

Essia is described as a Native American female 4'8" tall, 80lbs. Shoulder length brown hair and brown eyes.

It is unknown if she left the area on foot, on her blue scooter, or in a vehicle.

If you have cameras in the area circled, please check your cameras to see if she may have been captured on video.

If you see Essia or know her whereabouts, please contact Fall River County Dispatch at 605-745-5155 (this is a 24/7 call taking facility).

06/06/2026

We are incredibly proud to announce that today June 5th, 2026 - Deputy Shea Zeller has officially graduated from the South Dakota Law Enforcement Basic Training program!

This is no small feat - It takes dedication, sacrifice, and a true commitment to the oath of service.

Deputy Zeller along with 35 other members of the 201st class of the SD Basic Law Enforcement Certification Course, completed the 13-week training program that includes - Instruction in the law, Arrest Control Tactics, Fi****ms, Vehicle handling and Criminal Investigations.

All of us here at the Sheriff's Office are happy to have him back - On the road, serving and protecting alongside the rest of our team.

Congratulations Deputy Zeller!!!

05/29/2026

Its always a sad day when one of our Officers signs off for the last time with our department. Today was especially tough as both Chief Deputy Isnalawica Belt and Deputy Riley Christie gave their final 10-7.

With a combined total of 8 years with our department, they are each headed out on new adventures.

From all of us at the Fall River County SO - We wish you all the best in everything you do!

Stay Safe and we'll see you around!!

05/21/2026

This week, we recognize 🚑 National EMS Week 2026 🚑

We extend our sincere appreciation to the dedicated EMTs, Paramedics, and Emergency Medical personnel who serve our communities every day.

Thank you for responding to emergencies at all hours, often under difficult and stressful circumstances, while providing compassionate care to your patients.

Many of you - when your not hands on saving lives - are teaching and sharing your life saving knowledge. From basic CPR to Vehicle Extraction Care; you go above and beyond to provide valuable education to the community.

We appreciate you and its an honor to work alongside of you!

Black Hills Life Flight 7 Hot Springs
Edgemont Ambulance Service
Hot Springs Ambulance Service
Oelrichs First Responders
Fall River Health Services

05/19/2026

Hazmat Awareness training is tonight at 6PM!

We are just ONE WEEK away from kicking off our Fall River County MCI Training & Education Series!

✅ ALL classes are FREE to attend
✅ Food will be provided at each class

🚨PLEASE NOTE: The date for the full scale MCI Drill has changed and will now take place on Saturday, June 20th. Participation in the full scale drill will require registration, which will be released after the May 26th class.

Our first class kicks off May 19th at 6:00PM with Hazmat Awareness, taught by Bryan Ott with the Rapid City Fire Department.

We look forward to seeing everyone there! 😎

05/18/2026

Thank you to everyone that came out for Badges & Bobbers!

We had 30 kids plus their families participate and had a fantastic afternoon of fishing, laughing, and community connection! Each participant also received a prize as well as their fill of Hot Dogs, fruit snacks and beverages.

We had representatives from the
Fall River County Sheriff's Office
Hot Springs, SD Police Department
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
South Dakota Highway Patrol
US Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

We also can't say Thank You enough to the Businesses, Individuals and Groups that contributed by donating food, drinks, raffle items, bait as well as time.

American Legion Battle Mountain Post 71
Black Hills Exteriors LLC
CBH CO-OP
Dairy Queen
Dave The Super Drink Truck
Evans Plunge Mineral Springs
Fall River Auto Supply - CarQuest
Frank M.
Hot Springs Ace Hardware
Hot Springs, SD Chamber of Commerce
Lynn's Dakotamart
Sonny's Super Foods - Hot Springs
Sons of the American Legion - Battle Mountain Squadron 71
Travel South Dakota

Special Thank you to Darla, Cindy & Linda for helping with Registrations, Picture taking, Handing out prizes and most importantly - Miniature Marshmallow distribution (it is yet to be determined if the primary use for the kids was fish bait or snacks - either way - not judging)

Janita & Isaias, Jasmine & Mason - Thank you for all your help with set up and tear down. Doing the heavy lifting and running errands!

05/18/2026

The Fall River County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for a Deputy Sheriff.

Candidates must be able to think and act quickly under pressure; remain calm in stressful situations; demonstrate ethical behavior; pass a background and drug test; be physically able to perform job functions.

Starting wage is $23.25/hour uncertified or $25.25-$26.25/hour certified DOE. Training and certification provided and required for continued employment. Shifts may vary and may include weekend, overnight and holiday hours.

Benefits include paid health & dental insurance; vacation, holiday, and sick leave; and South Dakota Retirement.

Submit Law Enforcement Applications to the Sheriff’s Office, 906 N. River St., Hot Springs, SD 57747 or email to [email protected]
Position open until filled.

https://fallriver.sdcounties.org/employment/

05/17/2026

We are still on for today!!! See you out there!

The Fall River County Sheriff's Office is excited to announce we are hosting the "Badges & Bobbers" free fishing event again this year!

This is a great opportunity for kids to meet officers from the Sheriff's Office, Hot Springs Police Department and South Dakota Game Fish & Parks

We are excited to share our love for fishing with the kids in our communities, so all kids are welcome to bring their own fishing pole and bait. For those who don’t have them, a few loaner poles and bait will be available.

Hot Dogs and Drinks provided for participants.

Because this event is held during South Dakota's Free Fishing Weekend (May 15-17, 2026) Fishing Licenses are not required.

A registration table will be set up at Cold Brook during the event or feel free to email the Sheriff's Office at [email protected] or stop in at the office for early registration.

Kids are welcome to arrive at anytime and do not have to remain at the lake the full 3 hours to win a raffle prize.

For more information or if you would like to donate to the Badges & Bobbers Event contact:

Rachel - Fall River Sheriff's office 605-745-4444 or [email protected]

Melissa - [email protected] or message this page.

05/16/2026

Join us again this year for EMS week open house!
This year is home made spaghetti 🍝 and raffle for a chance to win prizes donated by local businesses.
💙🤍

05/15/2026

The Fall River County Sheriffs Office has received several calls today in reference to someone claiming to be a Deputy from our department, telling citizens they had a Warrant for their arrest and asking for money.

The caller is also spoofing one of our real Sheriff's Office non-emergency phone numbers 605-745-4444 to make it look more credible.

This is a scam!

As a reminder, Law Enforcement will never call you and ask for money to get out of a warrant.

If you receive a call like this, we are advising citizens to hang up immediately. If you are worried that you may actually have a warrant for your arrest, please contact Dispatch at 605-745-5155.