Remembering the life of retired Yuma County Sheriff Ralph E. Ogden
Retired Yuma County Sheriff Ralph E. Ogden has died, according to the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office.
In a Facebook message posted Wednesday morning, YCSO said, “Ralph was a long time member of the law enforcement community and longtime friend to many of us in Yuma County.”
Ogden began his law enforcement career with the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office in 1970 after completing four years of service in the United States Marine Corps. His 42 year career began as a dispatcher and jailer in Parker. He was promoted to Deputy one year later and transferred to Wellton to become the area Sergeant.
In November 1980, Ralph became Chief Deputy for the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office and served in that position until December 1992. He successfully campaigned for the office of Sheriff of Yuma County in 1992 and took the oath of office in January 1993. He served 5 terms (20 years) as Sheriff–the longest in Yuma’s history.
“When he left, he left a big void because he was a strong voice for the sheriffs,” shares Sheriff Tony Estrada of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office. “In particular for the border sheriffs.” Estrada worked with Ogden during the beginning of his career.
“His men, they all thought highly of Ralph,” states Larry Taylor, Ogden’s friend of 30 years.
“I will remember him as a sheriff,” continues Sheriff Estrada. “As a real sheriff: boots, cowboy hat, a big mustache — typical, traditional sheriff. The type of a person that you would like to believe that he’d be around as long as you’re around — that he’d always be there. He left quite a mark.”
Ralph Ogden not only left an impression locally, but statewide and nationally. Arizona Senator Jeff Flake prepared a statement for Senate to honor Sheriff Ogden Friday.
Senator Flake says, in part, “When asked about the benefits of serving in law enforcement, Sheriff Ogden said that when you go home tired and beat after a long day, you sleep well knowing you did some good. Sheriff Ralph Ogden did a lot of good, and I know he is resting well.”
YCSO’s Facebook post also read, “Ralph left a legacy with this agency that will live on forever. He was one the finest men and mentors that I have ever known. It was truly an honor for us all to know and work side by side with such an extraordinary leader. His loyalty and intense dedication to his work, personal sacrifice, and uncompromising standards of conduct provided the growth and development of the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office. He was truly “dedicated to service”.
Celebration of life is pending coordination with family.
