From Reedley College to Fresno County Sheriff
“Do not ever compromise your values or integrity to get ahead,” said Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims. She was speaking to a crowd at Reedley College last month for Women’s History Month. For Margaret, it was something of a homecoming. She earned her associate degree at Reedley College.
Margaret was raised in rural Fresno County and graduated from Caruthers High School.
She began her career in law enforcement in 1980 when she was hired as the first female police officer in the City of Kerman. At the time, the landscape for women in law enforcement was very different. Margaret wore men’s shoes and uniforms because they weren’t available for women. There were few women role models to look up to, so Margaret depended on the guidance of supportive male mentors.
“I never wanted or expected to be promoted or given an assignment just because I was a woman.” —Margaret Mims
“I never wanted or expected to be promoted or given an assignment just because I was a woman,” she said.
In 1983, Margaret became a deputy sheriff for Fresno County. She became the first female sergeant to supervise field patrol units, and went on to become the first woman to achieve the ranks of lieutenant, captain, and assistant sheriff.
During her time as deputy sheriff, Margaret also earned a bachelor’s degree from Fresno Pacific University and a master’s in public administration from National University.
She was elected Fresno County Sheriff in 2006.
As sheriff, Margaret is responsible for managing more than 1,000 sworn and non-sworn personnel, managing Fresno County jail and detention facilities, and providing security for the countywide court system.
Her decades in law enforcement have earned Margaret numerous awards, but she and her husband Gary see their two children, Jacklyn and Randy, as their greatest achievement.
“That’s probably the most important contribution I made to society,” she explained: “the great kids I raised and leave behind to grow up and contribute to our communities.”
Margaret is this year’s Reedley College Distinguished Alumnus.
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