Barber County KS Sheriff's Office

05/29/2026

📢 Barber County Sheriff's Department Update📢

This week, our dedicated deputies have been hard at work executing multiple search warrants in our community. Here’s a summary of the recent activities:

Kiowa Search Warrant:
- William Tippett was arrested on charges including:
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Possession of paraphernalia
- Possession of ma*****na
- Violation of a protection order

-Vehicle Consent Search:
-Jalen Taylor was arrested with charges of:
- Possession of ma*****na
- Possession of paraphernalia

- Hazelton Search Warrant on 5/29/2026:
- Joseph Rugg was taken into custody with charges including:
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Possession of ma*****na
- Possession of paraphernalia
- Distribution of methamphetamine
- Child endangerment (x2)
- Distribution to a minor
- Unlawful distribution of controlled substances using communication facility

Arrest
- Joshua Smart
Charge
- warrant

Important Note: All arrested individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

We remain committed to keeping Barber County safe and appreciate the community’s ongoing support. If you have any information regarding illegal activities, please reach out to us.

Stay safe, Barber County! 🚓💙

05/28/2026

Come Join us for a fun educational time! We look foward to building more relationships with our community! Kiowa starting June 3rd every Wednesday after. Medicine Lodge starting June 4th every Thursday after.

05/22/2026

05/18/2026

The Barber County Sheriff’s Office would like to make the public aware that the 2026 Biking Across Kansas (BAK) tour will be traveling through Barber County on Monday, June 8th and Tuesday, June 9th.
Riders are scheduled to travel from Ashland to Medicine Lodge on June 8th, and from Medicine Lodge to Conway Springs on June 9th.
Motorists should expect an increased number of bicyclists on county and state roadways during those dates. We ask everyone to use caution, slow down, remain patient, and help us keep both participants and the traveling public safe.
Our office will be working alongside local agencies and event organizers to help ensure the event runs safely and smoothly throughout Barber County.
We appreciate the cooperation and support of our community.
Barber County Sheriff’s Office

05/17/2026

🌟 **Celebrating Our Sheriffs: A Tribute to Service and Dedication 🌟**

As we conclude Law Enforcement Appreciation Week, the Barber County Sheriff's Office takes a moment to honor the legacy of every sheriff who has served our community—past and present. Each sheriff has played a pivotal role in shaping the safety and well-being of our county.

From the early days of our department to the challenges we face today, their unwavering commitment and leadership have been instrumental. Their dedication to upholding the law and ensuring public safety reflects the highest standards of service.

**To our current sheriff**, thank you for your ongoing commitment to our community, navigating the complexities of modern law enforcement with integrity and compassion.

**To our former sheriffs**, your vision and hard work laid the foundation for a safer county. Your legacies inspire us daily as we strive to protect and serve with pride.

Let’s celebrate the courage, compassion, and community spirit that defines the Barber County Sheriff's Office! 💙👮‍♂️

Ruben lake 1873-1875
C.L Walker 1875-1877
J. Moore 1877-1879
J.T. Taylor 1879-1881
C.T. Ring 1881-1886
C.D. Nelson 1886-1888
George W Stevens 1888-1890
James W. Dobson 1890-1893
George W Stevens 1893-1895
O. Mills 1895-1896
J.S. Jones 1896-1900
J.B Gano 1900-1903
W.H Haun 1903-1907
E.L McCracken 1907-1908
C.W. Kidd 1908-1909
J.D. Mathews 1909-1913
J.M Crouse 1913-1917
J.H. Rea 1917-1921
E.G. Shell 1921-1925
J.B. Harbaugh 1925-1929
K.I. Burgess 1929-1933
J.F. Albright 1933-1936
Clarence Frieden 1936-1939
L.V. Hart 1939-1942
Carl Stranathan 1942-1947
Louis N. Fowler 1947-1951
Andy Stevenson 1951-1955
Homer Burhart 1955-1959
Andy Stevenson 1959-1963
C.L.Bishop 1963-1965
Andy Stevenson February 10,1965-May 10, 1974 resigned
Clarence H. Frieden July 1, 1974 -January 13,1975
John J. Blunk 1975 -1983
Dennis Stackley 1983-1990
Tommy J. Tomson 1990 to 2013
Justin Rugg 2013 -2017
Lonnie Small 2017-2021
Jason LeClair 2021-2025
Richard M. Garza 2025-present

05/16/2026

We can’t wait to meet Friends of the K9 Vest, Midwest!!

Ya'all📢📢📣We have a huge surprise for the Barber County KS Sheriff's Office!!
Wanna know what?.....
➡️➡️Well, a couple members of our team are headed South on Sunday to meet K9 Loki and the crew down there.
We are super excited and we hope you are too!
‼️Follow along on Sunday ‼️

05/15/2026

Today is Peace Officers Memorial Day. Please take a moment to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting their communities. Across this nation, thousands of law enforcement officers have lost their lives in the line of duty while standing between danger and the people they swore to protect. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

In Barber County history, one law enforcement officer has lost his life in the line of duty — Sheriff Enos “Bud” McCracken.

On March 19, 1908, Sheriff McCracken was mortally wounded by gunfire while attempting to arrest a man wanted for selling whiskey. Armed with a .38 caliber handgun, the suspect fled into an outhouse as Sheriff McCracken and the Kiowa City Marshal attempted to take him into custody. While Sheriff McCracken tried to peacefully talk the man into surrendering, the suspect fired through the door, striking the sheriff.

Both officers returned fire but were unable to strike the suspect. As the suspect attempted to flee, the city marshal shot him in the leg. The wound later developed gangrene, and the suspect died several days later.

Sheriff McCracken succumbed to his injuries two days later. He had served as Sheriff for only two years and was survived by his wife and eight children. Tragically, his eighth child had been born only two days before he was shot.

Today we remember Sheriff McCracken and every fallen officer who gave their life in service to others. We honor their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to protecting their communities. Please keep the families of our fallen officers in your thoughts today and every day.

05/14/2026

Fun fact of the day!
Barber County Sheriff #38, Current Sheriff, Richard Garza — Serving as Sheriff in Two Kansas Counties

Sheriff Garza has dedicated more than 25 years to law enforcement service in the State of Kansas. Beginning his career as a deputy in 1999, he has served in multiple roles throughout the years including K9 handler, undersheriff, police officer, and sheriff.

Sheriff Garza is also a proud U.S. Army infantry veteran.
Sheriff Garza first served as the elected Sheriff of Hamilton County from 2007 to 2017. In 2025, he was elected Sheriff of Barber County, becoming one of the few law enforcement officers in Kansas history to serve as sheriff in two different Kansas counties.

Throughout his career, Sheriff Garza has remained committed to protecting rural communities, supporting his deputies, and upholding the traditions and values of Kansas law enforcement.

Join us in recognizing Sheriff Garza’s continued dedication to public service and the citizens of Kansas.

05/13/2026

Fun fact of the day!
Reuben Lake - The First Sheriff of Barber County

In November 1873, Reuben Lake made history by becoming the very first sheriff of Barber County, Kansas, shortly after the county's formation. A proud Civil War veteran and an Illinois native, Lake wasn't just a lawman; he was also the founder of Lake City, Kansas, which he established on April 6, 1873.

After arriving in Kansas in 1865, Lake initially settled in Neosho County before moving to the Barber County area. He played a significant role in the community by operating a sawmill and store in Lake City, contributing to the area's development and growth.

Join us in celebrating the legacy of Sheriff Reuben Lake, whose dedication to service and community continues to inspire us today!

05/12/2026

It is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Week! Throughout the week, we will be sharing fun facts about law enforcement and highlighting the dedicated men and women who proudly serve Barber County each and every day.

If you see a law enforcement officer this week, take a moment to say thank you for the long hours, hard work, sacrifice, and commitment that go into this profession. Your support means more than you know!

🚔 Fun Fact for Today 🚔
The deputies and law enforcement officers at the Barber County Sheriff Office have a combined total of approximately 80 years of experience serving the citizens of Barber County! That is 80 years of dedication, protection, service, and commitment to keeping our communities safe.

We are proud to serve Barber County and grateful for the continued support from our community!