Welcome To Osage County
Oklahoma’s Largest County
At the Osage County Sheriff’s Office, our mission is to provide a solid foundation on which the residents of Osage County can thrive. We are committed to building public trust and fostering safe, secure communities through professional, high-quality professional law enforcement.
Osage County holds a unique place in Oklahoma’s history and geography. As the state’s largest county by area, it was established in 1907 when Oklahoma gained statehood. The county’s name and heritage are deeply tied to the federally recognized Osage Nation, whose reservation boundaries are coextensive with the county itself. This land became the Osage Nation Reservation in the 19th century following the relocation of the Osage people from Kansas.
The county seat, Pawhuska, is one of the first three towns founded in the county and remains a hub of history and culture. As of the 2020 Census, Osage County had a population of 45,818 residents.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county spans an impressive 2,304 square miles (5,970 km²), with 2,246 square miles (5,820 km²) of land and 58 square miles (150 km²) of water, accounting for 2.5% of its total area. Much of the landscape is part of the Osage Plains, characterized by open prairie, while the eastern portion features the rolling Osage Hills—an extension of Kansas’ Flint Hills. Nature enthusiasts can also explore the renowned Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, located just north of Pawhuska, where remnants of the once-vast tallgrass ecosystem are carefully preserved.
WHAT’S HAPPENING LOCALLY
Honoring Retired Sheriff Ty Koch on his birthday – Osage County Sheriff (2005–2017)
Ty Koch graduated from Pawnee High School in 1982 and began his law enforcement career with the Fairfax Police Department in 1987, serving as both dispatcher and officer. He attended and graduated from CLEET in 1989 and joined the Osage County Sheriff’s Office in April 1991.
Koch served as a field deputy throughout all areas of the county before being appointed West Area Supervisor in July 1994 under Sheriff Henry Bloomfield. He later moved into criminal investigations in 1997 under Sheriff Russell Cottle and was eventually assigned to the District 10 Drug Task Force. There, he led major narcotics operations during the height of the meth lab era, earning a reputation for his investigative skill and professionalism.
In 2005, following the passing of Sheriff Wes Penland, Koch was appointed Interim Sheriff as he was serving as the Undersheriff. He went on to win the special election in 2006 to complete the term and was re-elected in both 2008 and 2012. As Sheriff, Koch led the agency through more than a decade of modernization—upgrading equipment, expanding investigative capabilities, and most notably, spearheading the renewal of the county’s one-cent sales tax. This achievement secured long-term operational funding for the Sheriff’s Office and continues to benefit the agency today.
Sheriff Koch retired January 2017, after nearly 30 years of dedicated law enforcement service to Osage County.
I want to personally thank Sheriff Koch for his years of leadership and mentorship. I spent many days and nights working alongside him on manhunts, major crime scenes, and drug busts. His sharp investigative instincts shaped much of what I learned throughout my own career.
Sheriff Koch, in my opinion, you were one of the best in the game. From one Sheriff to another—Happy Birthday and thank you for everything you’ve done for Osage County and for me personally.
— Sheriff Bart Perrier
68 CommentsComment on Facebook
🚨 Press Release: Officer-Involved Shooting in Pawhuska 🚨
Osage County, Oklahoma – November 12, 2025
At approximately 2:30 p.m., the Pawhuska Police Department responded to a call regarding a domestic assault and battery with possible dangerous weapons within the city limits of Pawhuska. The Osage County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist at the request of Pawhuska PD.
Upon arrival, it was determined that the suspect had an outstanding felony warrant out of Osage County and had barricaded himself, making verbal threats toward law enforcement.
After several hours of attempted negotiation, members of Pawhuska PD and the Osage County Sheriff’s Office entered the residence to attempt an arrest. Once inside, officers were fired upon by the suspect, and officers returned fire.
Two Osage County Deputies sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to the hospital. The suspect was also transported for treatment of a minor injury. At this time, none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.
The scene was secured immediately following the suspect’s arrest. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has been contacted and will be conducting the investigation into this officer-involved shooting.
This is an ongoing investigation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
74 CommentsComment on Facebook
More than a job — it’s a calling. Our detention officers are the backbone of the facility, ensuring safety and structure 24/7. They work with integrity, professionalism, and heart — serving a vital role in our justice system.
From behind the walls to beyond the badge, their commitment keeps our community safe. 💙
🔗 Think you’ve got what it takes? Visit the link in our bio to learn more about becoming a detention officer.
#OsageCountySheriff #OsageCountyJail
8 CommentsComment on Facebook
🇺🇸Honoring Our Veterans
Today, we thank all the brave men and women who have served our country with courage and dedication. Your sacrifice protects our freedom, and we are forever grateful. 💙
From all of us at the Osage County Sheriff’s Office, thank you for your service.
#OsageCounty #OCSO #OsageCountySheriff #VeteransDay #ThankYouForYourService
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Happy Friday! Taking it back to 1971 — a look into Osage County Sheriff’s Office history. ⭐️🕰️
#ThrowbackFriday #OsageCountySheriff #1971
23 CommentsComment on Facebook
Honor. Service. Integrity.
The foundation of everything we do. 🚨
#PublicSafety
#oklahomasheriff
#osagecounty
#policeofficer
#backtheblue
#PublicSafety
#community
#servingourcommunity
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
