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
𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲’𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭-𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟, 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐦𝐚𝐧
𝘽𝙤𝙧𝙣: 𝘼𝙪𝙜𝙪𝙨𝙩 5, 1923, 𝘽𝙪𝙧𝙗𝙖𝙣𝙠, 𝙊𝙆
𝘿𝙞𝙚𝙙: 𝙅𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙮 22, 2021, 𝙁𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙛𝙖𝙭, 𝙊𝙆
𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞
George Wayman was born in 1923 near Burbank, Oklahoma, in the heart of Osage County. A true son of the Osage Hills, he would become the only Osage County Sheriff in history born within its boundaries. His early life was shaped by rural values—faith, hard work, and community—which stayed with him for life.
During his senior year of high school, with the world at war, Wayman left school early to enlist in the United States Army during World War II. His service was marked by courage and distinction. He earned: Four battalion stars, a Bronze Star, an Arrowhead device (indicating a combat assault landing) and a Good Conduct Ribbon.
After the war, he returned to Osage County, working as a rancher and contributing to the rebuilding of postwar America. In 1950, he was recalled to active duty for the Korean Conflict, serving his country once again with honor before returning home in 1951 with additional commendations.
𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 – 𝐀 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬
Wayman’s career in law enforcement began in 1955, when he was hired as a Deputy Sheriff for Osage County. He quickly demonstrated the work ethic, fairness, and leadership that would define his career. He rose to the rank of Undersheriff, and in 1965, he was appointed Sheriff in October of 1956 after the death of Sheriff Jarome “Dick” Streetman.
In 1966, he won election in his own right—and continued to run for office unopposed until his final term, a record unmatched in Osage County history. Remarkably, he only faced one opponent across all those campaigns. In his final election in 1988, he was endorsed by 28 prosecutors—including county, assistant, and district attorneys—testifying to his respected status in the law enforcement community.
Wayman is the youngest person ever elected Sheriff of Osage County, the only Sheriff born in Osage County and the longest-serving Sheriff in Osage County history. Wayman's approach was simple yet powerful: “Treat others the way you would want to be treated.” This guiding philosophy shaped a professional, fair, and community-centered Sheriff’s Office. He didn't just preach values—he practiced them.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦
Sheriff Wayman’s influence extended far beyond county lines. In 1970, he played a leading role in the formation of the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association (OSA), working to unite sheriffs across the state and increase their legislative influence. Under his leadership a statewide retirement system for law enforcement officers was championed and ultimately established. The OSA became a respected voice for law enforcement policy in Oklahoma to date.
Wayman also served as President of several law enforcement associations including the INCOG (Indian Nations Council of Governments) Board and Police Committee. Served on the Oklahoma Crime Commission, by appointment from three governors. His public service was recognized statewide, culminating in his induction into the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2015, and his enshrinement by the Osage County Historical Society as a "Legend and Hero of Osage County."
𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬
After retiring from law enforcement, Wayman continued his service to the people by becoming the Mayor of Fairfax, a small town in northern Osage County. He served for seven years and remained deeply engaged in civic life, including his church.
Wayman once reflected that “being Sheriff never seemed like a job. It was just an honor and pleasure to serve the people of Osage County.” That attitude defined his decades of work and left an indelible mark on the county and its citizens.
𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲
In recognition of his unparalleled service, the Osage County Jail was renamed the George Wayman Law Enforcement Center, a permanent tribute to his enduring impact.
George Wayman was more than a sheriff—he was a symbol of honor, family, country, and service. His long, distinguished career stands as a model for public service rooted in respect, fairness, and commitment to community.
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𝗢𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗳’𝘀 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗥𝗢 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱–𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿.
The Osage County Sheriff’s Office is proud to kick off the 2025–2026 school year with our School Resource Officer (SRO) program in full operation. We are honored to partner with nine Osage County public school districts currently under contract for SRO services.
Our deputies will be working closely with school administrators, faculty, and staff to support a safe and positive learning environment. In addition to providing on-campus security, SROs serve as mentors and trusted points of contact for students, helping build meaningful relationships between youth and law enforcement.
Deputies will also maintain a visible presence in school zones during peak hours to help ensure the safety of students, parents, and school staff as they travel to and from campus. We’re committed to making this school year safe, productive, and full of opportunity for Osage County’s youth.
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𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝟗 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲!
We’re proud to announce that Deputy Andrew “Ty” Minson and K9 Stella have officially completed the required 160 hours of CLEET-certified K9 handler training and are now deployed as a working K9 team with the Osage County Sheriff’s Office!
Meet K9 Stella – a 4-year-old Arctic White Yellow Labrador, certified in narcotics detection, article searches, and tracking.
About Deputy Minson – With over 16 years of law enforcement experience, Deputy Minson has proudly served Osage County since 2017. His expertise in patrol operations, officer safety, and criminal interdiction makes him the perfect fit to lead our K9 Unit.
This dynamic duo will be an asset to our department, local schools, and the communities we serve – assisting with traffic stops, suspect tracking, evidence recovery, and missing persons cases.
K9 Stella was originally purchased in 2022 with the generous support of our public-school districts. After being reassigned to Deputy Minson this year, she is now ready to serve at full potential.
We’re excited for the positive impact this team will have for Osage County citizens and schools. Please congratulate Deputy Minson and K9 Stella on this achievement!
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Wear your seat belt for every ride, every time! The two seconds it takes to buckle up can make all the difference in a car crash. Thanks, Sgt. Kirby (Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office) for the safety reminder! #DriveSafe #BuckleUp #SeatBelt #TrafficSafety
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‼️‼️July 31, 2025 UPDATE | This subject has been located and is back in custody.‼️‼️
🚨 ESCAPED DOC INMATE ALERT 🚨
Osage County Sheriff's Office | July 30, 2025
The Osage County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, and Hominy Police Department is actively searching for an escaped inmate from Dick Conner Correctional Center in Hominy, OK.
ESCAPED INMATE DETAILS:
Name: Ponca Green
Age: 45
Race/Sex: Native American / Male
Height/Weight: 6’1 / 200lbs
Last Seen Wearing: unknown
Time/Date of Escape: Morning of 7/30/25
Last Known Direction of Travel: Unknown
This individual has a history of escape, burglary and armed robbery. He has very noticeable tattoos on his face neck areas. This individual should be considered dangerous. Do not approach. If you see someone matching this description or have any information on their whereabouts, please contact the Osage County Sheriff’s Office immediately at 918-287-3131 or dial 911.
Updates will be posted here as more information becomes available. Please remain alert and vigilant, especially in the Hominy area and surrounding communities.
SHARE to help us spread the word. Your awareness could make a difference.
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