Buffalo County Sheriff's Office

Law enforcement isn’t just about calls — it’s about people. Deputy Valentine and Officer Baughman taking a moment to connect with a community member (and his dog) while on patrol. These everyday interactions help build trust across Buffalo County.

A quick reminder regarding Buffalo County Court payments: • Bonds for individuals in custody — cash only • Fines and most other payments — cash, check, or money order • No credit or debit cards accepted Knowing this ahead of time can help prevent delays.

Mornings are busy. Afternoons are busy. We get it. But when a school bus stops and that red sign comes out, everything else stops too. It only takes a few seconds — and it helps make sure every kid gets home safely.

Big game tonight 🏀 As March Madness wraps up, whether you're cheering for UConn or Michigan, remember to celebrate responsibly. Make a plan, drive sober, and look out for your friends. Unfortunately, Nebraska isn’t in it this year — but it’s still a great night for college basketball. Don’t let the “madness” end up on the roads. Keep it in your bracket, not behind the wheel. Busted brackets are part of the game… getting busted for DUI doesn’t have to be. Who are you cheering for?

March 2026 Statistics Report – Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office is committed to transparency and keeping our community informed. Together, we make a difference.

New Equipment Issued… After Deputy Evan Schmidt’s creative use of a trampoline while searching for a suspect (yes… that actually happened), it was clear we needed to recognize innovation when we see it. At our monthly meeting, Sergeant Valenzuela officially presented Deputy Schmidt with a new “piece of equipment” — a state-of-the-art tactical trampoline. We’re currently evaluating whether these should be standard issue for all deputies. They’re commonly found in yards across the county, yet often go unused. All jokes aside, we appreciate deputies thinking on their feet (and occasionally bouncing) to safely check areas during searches. If you missed the original video, check it out here 📷 facebook.com/share/v/1KtVoQ…

Found Dog This sweet boy was found running loose near 235th Road and Sioux Road, wearing a chain collar with no tags. He is now safe at the Kearney Area Animal Shelter, if you recognize this dog or know the owner, please contact KAAS at 308-237-7387.

Across Buffalo County, every fire department is made up of volunteers — neighbors who step away from their jobs, their families, and their daily lives when the call comes in. This year has brought especially challenging conditions. Dry weather and strong winds have led to numerous grass and field fires across our region. Time and again, these volunteers have answered the call — often multiple times in a single day — working long hours to protect homes, farms, and communities. Their commitment doesn’t stop at their own town. Departments throughout Buffalo County support one another through mutual aid, standing shoulder to shoulder wherever help is needed. The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office is incredibly grateful for the dedication, sacrifice, and teamwork shown by all of our volunteer fire departments. Your willingness to serve — at any hour and in any condition — helps keep our communities safe. Thank you for everything you do. Photo Credit: Brian Neben

The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the return of the D.A.R.E. program to our schools. School Resource Officer Deputy Zach Frazho recently graduated from D.A.R.E. instructor training, allowing him to begin teaching the program locally. This is a great addition to his role as SRO, giving him more opportunities to build positive relationships with students and spend meaningful time in the classroom. Programs like D.A.R.E. help strengthen trust, encourage healthy decision-making, and provide students with a positive connection to law enforcement. Congratulations to Deputy Frazho, and we’re excited to bring this program back to Buffalo County.

It’s Property & Evidence Professionals Week — and we want to recognize two people who keep everything running behind the scenes. Our agency, along with @KearneyPolice, shares two outstanding evidence technicians: Jeff Dowling and David Cessna. If you’ve ever wondered what happens after evidence is collected on a call… these are the people who make sure it’s handled correctly every step of the way. From organizing and documenting evidence, to coordinating submissions to the state lab, to preparing items for court — their work is critical to building solid cases and ensuring accountability. They also help us when we inevitably have questions, need guidance, or yes… occasionally make mistakes. They do it all with professionalism, patience, and a great attitude. Because of Jeff and David: • Evidence is properly documented • Chain of custody is maintained • Cases move forward smoothly • Deputies and officers get the support they need Simply put — they make all of our jobs easier and our cases stronger. Thank you, Jeff and David, for the work you do every day behind the scenes. Your dedication doesn’t always get the spotlight, but it absolutely deserves it this week.

On Friday, March 27th, deputies assisted the Elm Creek Volunteer Fire Department and the Buffalo County Wildland Fire Task Force during the Cessna Road grass fire. While helping notify residents in the area, deputies witnessed neighbors stepping up — moving livestock, bringing equipment, and assisting however they could. It was a strong reminder of what makes Buffalo County special. Thank you to all of the firefighters and community members who worked together to contain the fire and support those impacted. We’re grateful to serve a community that looks out for one another. 📸 Video courtesy of @NewsChannelNE

Warmer weather means more motorcycles, pedestrians, and activity across Buffalo County. It’s great to see people outside, but it’s also a reminder to slow down and stay aware. A little extra attention helps keep everyone safe.

Deputy Stalder traded patrol for a front-row seat at a Ravenna Volunteer Fire Department training. Firefighters took to the court in full bunker gear — building endurance and teamwork. We appreciate the partnership, RVFD!

Hands of Heartland stopped by this week with brownies and a thank you for local law enforcement. We appreciate the support and enjoyed meeting such a great group. Small gestures like this go a long way.

It was an honor for BCSO and KPD to assist in escorting a convoy of trucks carrying hay across Buffalo County in support of communities impacted by the western Nebraska wildfires. Safe travels to those delivering help where it’s needed most. @KearneyPolice

We’ve seen an unfortunate uptick in pets being left to fend for themselves. Abandoning an animal isn’t just heartbreaking — it can also be a crime. Depending on the circumstances, animal abandonment in Nebraska can range from a Class I misdemeanor to a felony offense. More importantly, these situations are preventable. If you’re facing a situation where you can no longer care for a pet, there are better options: • Reach out to local shelters or rescues • Contact friends or family • Use reputable rehoming resources • Ask for help — many people are willing These two dogs were recently left to fend for themselves. Thankfully, kind-hearted community members stepped in and ensured they were safe until they could be transported to a local animal shelter. They’re now receiving care and attention — but not every abandoned pet is that fortunate. If you can no longer care for your pet, please exhaust all responsible options. Our community — and our animals — deserve better.

Deputies are often first on scene—sometimes before EMS. That’s why patrol units carry AEDs. In a cardiac emergency, having that tool immediately available can make all the difference. Ready for whatever the call brings.

Congrats to Corrections Officer Nicolas Smith on 5 years of service at the Buffalo County Jail! Thank you for your dedication to keeping our facility safe and secure. Wishing you many more years of continued service!

Unsecured loads don’t just fall off—they become road hazards. Deputies cleared debris from the roadway that nearly caused multiple crashes. Take a few extra seconds to secure your load. It matters.

The academy isn’t easy—especially being away from your agency. Deputy Alexander (BCSO) and Investigator Beard (KPD) stopped by in Grand Island to support Recruit Hunter Kraus. One team—across agencies.