Placer County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association

10/24/2026

IN REMEMBRANCE — DETECTIVE MICHAEL DAVIS
End of Watch: October 24, 2014

Twelve years ago today, Placer County Sheriff's Office Detective Michael Davis made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the community he had dedicated his career to serving.

On October 24, 2014, Detective Davis was among the law enforcement officers involved in an extensive manhunt for the suspect responsible for the murder of Sacramento County Sheriff's Deputy Danny Oliver earlier that day.

After fleeing Sacramento County in a carjacked vehicle, the suspect and a female accomplice traveled into Placer County, where the pursuit ultimately led to the Auburn area. During the confrontation near Maidu Drive, Detective Davis was shot and critically wounded.

He was transported to Sutter Roseville Medical Center, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries.

Detective Davis had proudly served the Placer County Sheriff's Office for 15 years.

His loss carries an especially heartbreaking connection to another fallen law enforcement officer. His father, Riverside County Sheriff's Investigator Michael Davis Sr., was killed in the line of duty on October 24, 1988 — exactly 26 years before his son.

Two generations of service. Two lives sacrificed in the line of duty. A family whose loss is beyond measure.

Today, the Placer County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association remembers Detective Michael Davis, honors his father, and stands alongside the Davis family, his fellow deputies, and everyone whose life was touched by his service.

Rest in peace, Detective Davis. Your courage, your sacrifice, and your legacy will never be forgotten.

🕯️ End of Watch: October 24, 2014

10/01/2026

Today, we remember Placer County Sheriff William “Bill” Elam, whose End of Watch was October 1, 1951.

Seventy-five years ago, Sheriff Elam was traveling to Kings Beach on official business when he lost control of his vehicle on wet pavement along the Dollar Hill grade, approximately three and a half miles east of Tahoe City. His vehicle went through a guardrail and down a steep embankment. Sheriff Elam was thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene.

Sheriff Elam's career in law enforcement began with the Roseville Police Department in 1931. He later served as Roseville's Chief of Police before being elected Placer County Sheriff in 1950. He took office in January 1951 and had served as Sheriff for only about ten months when his life was tragically cut short. He was 46 years old and left behind his wife and children.

On the morning of his death, Sheriff Elam was traveling to Kings Beach to swear in two new sheriff's deputies—a fitting reminder that his final journey was made in service to the Sheriff's Office and the people of Placer County.

Today, Sheriff Elam remains among the nine members of the Placer County Sheriff's Office honored for making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Rest in peace, Sheriff William Elam. Your service, sacrifice, and place in the history of the Placer County Sheriff's Office will never be forgotten.

🕯️ End of Watch: October 1, 1951
🇺🇸 We will never forget.

09/17/2026

Earlier this week, members of the Placer County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association Board of Directors joined peace officers and firefighters from across California at the State Capitol alongside PORAC (Peace Officers Research Association of California) and California Professional Firefighters in support of AB 1383.

AB 1383 seeks to address recruitment and retention challenges facing public safety agencies by making targeted changes to retirement benefits for PEPRA safety members. Among its provisions, the bill would provide greater flexibility for retirement formulas, including the ability for local employers and employee associations to collectively bargain for better retirement options.

We appreciate PORAC and California Professional Firefighters for their continued work on this legislation and for bringing public safety professionals from throughout the state together at the Capitol.

A special thank you to Assemblyman Joe Patterson for co-authoring AB 1383 and supporting the effort to address recruitment and retention challenges facing California’s public safety workforce.

09/06/2026

Today, we remember Placer County Deputy Sheriff Richard Alfred Sheppard, who gave his life in the line of duty 71 years ago today.

On September 6, 1955, Deputy Sheppard was pursuing a stolen vehicle in the Tahoe Vista area of North Lake Tahoe when he was involved in a fatal automobile accident. He was just 28 years old.

Deputy Sheppard served as a resident deputy assigned to the North Lake Tahoe Station and had been with the Placer County Sheriff’s Office for less than one year when his watch came to an end. Before serving the people of Placer County, he had already answered another call to service as a World War II veteran. He was survived by his daughter.

Though his time with our Sheriff’s Office was brief, the measure of his service is not found in the number of years he wore the badge. It is found in his willingness to serve his country, protect his community, and ultimately give his life in the performance of that duty.

Deputy Sheppard is one of the nine Placer County peace officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, and his name remains part of the history and legacy of the Placer County Sheriff’s Office.

Rest in peace, Deputy Richard A. Sheppard. Thank you for your service to our nation and to the people of Placer County. Seventy-one years later, we remember your sacrifice and honor your service.

🕯️ End of Watch: September 6, 1955
🇺🇸 We will never forget.

08/01/2026

🥞 Mark Your Calendars and Join Us in Supporting Those Who Are Always There for Others.

Every day, the Placer County Law Enforcement Chaplaincy stands beside deputies, first responders, victims of crime, and families facing life's most difficult moments. Their compassion, guidance, and support make a lasting difference throughout Placer County.

Now it's our turn to support them.

The Placer County Deputy Sheriffs' Association invites you to join us at the Community Pancake Breakfast benefiting the Placer County Law Enforcement Chaplaincy, generously hosted by the Auburn Jeep Club.

📅 Saturday, August 29
🕗 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
📍 Auburn Veterans Memorial Hall
💲 $10 per plate

Enjoy a great breakfast, meet local first responders, and help ensure the Chaplaincy can continue serving those who need them most—including law enforcement officers and their families, victims of tragedy, and community members in crisis.

A special thank you to the Auburn Jeep Club for hosting this event and supporting those who serve our community.

We hope to see you there!

Auburn Police Officers Association, Rocklin Police Officers' Association, Roseville Police Officers Association, Lincoln Peace Officers Association

07/14/2026

Today, we honor the memory of Placer County Deputy Sheriff Arden "Art" Webster, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on July 14, 1965.

The Auburn Journal reported the following day:

"Injured fatally early yesterday while investigating an armed robbery suspect was Deputy Arden Hills Webster. The 58-year-old officer was struck by a truck on Interstate 80 near Roseville. A veteran in police work, Webster was instrumental in training many young officers in the county."
— Auburn Journal, July 15, 1965

Deputy Webster was assisting in the investigation of a taxicab believed to be connected to an armed robbery in Reno. After Sergeant Don Nunes and Roseville police officers determined the vehicle was not involved, Deputy Webster and his partner, Deputy Bud Murray, returned to their patrol vehicles. Moments later, Deputy Webster was struck and killed by a passing pickup truck on Interstate 80 near Roseville.

Before joining the Placer County Sheriff's Office, "Art" Webster became Auburn's first official police officer in the 1930s and later served with the Lincoln Police Department. Throughout his distinguished career, he became a mentor to countless young officers, helping shape generations of law enforcement professionals throughout Placer County.

Deputy Webster was 58 years old. He was survived by his wife, three sons, and two daughters, and was laid to rest at New Auburn Cemetery.

Rest easy, Deputy Arden "Art" Webster. Your watch ended on July 14, 1965, but your legacy lives on in those who continue to serve. We have the watch.

🕯️ End of Watch: July 14, 1965

We will never forget.

07/13/2026

Today, we honor the memory of Placer County Deputy James B. Machado, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on July 13, 1978.

Forty-eight years ago today, Deputy Machado was fatally shot with his own service weapon while struggling with an escaped mental patient in Auburn. The suspect fled the scene but was located a short time later walking along Interstate 80. When confronted by responding deputies, he attempted to fire Deputy Machado's weapon before being stopped.

Deputy Machado had faithfully served the Placer County Sheriff's Office for four years. He was just 37 years old and left behind his wife, Nancy, and their three young children—Jim, Joy, and Jeanne't.

His sacrifice left an indelible mark on our Sheriff's Office and our community. In recognition of his service and heroism, the intersection of Grass Valley Highway and Elm Avenue in Auburn was dedicated in Deputy Machado's honor in 2015, ensuring that future generations remember the price that was paid in service to others.

Today, we pause to remember Deputy Machado's courage, his commitment to protecting the people of Placer County, and the family who bore the weight of his sacrifice.

Rest easy, Deputy James B. Machado. Your watch ended, but your legacy endures. We have the watch.

🕯️ End of Watch: July 13, 1978
🇺🇸 Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

07/12/2026

Today, we honor the memory of Placer County Deputy George M. Martin, who was killed in the line of duty on July 11, 1859.

One hundred sixty-seven years ago today, Deputy Martin joined fellow deputies in an attempt to arrest the notorious outlaw "Rattlesnake Dick" Barter and members of his gang in Auburn. During the confrontation, the deputies came under heavy gunfire. Deputy Martin was mortally wounded, and Undersheriff Johnston was seriously injured. Although Barter was shot twice by Deputy Crutcher, he escaped the scene on horseback.

The following morning, a posse led by Deputy John C. Boggs located Barter's body near the Junction House stagecoach stop—at what is now the intersection of Lincoln Way and Foresthill Road in Auburn. After being wounded during the gunfight, Barter had taken his own life. A note found with his body revealed that he mistakenly believed he had killed Deputy Boggs, writing, "If J. Boggs is dead, I am satisfied."

Deputy George M. Martin became the first Placer County law enforcement officer to make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. His courage, commitment to protecting our community, and devotion to public service established a legacy that continues to inspire those who wear the badge today.

As we remember Deputy Martin, we also honor the nine members of the Placer County Sheriff's Office who have given their lives in service to our community. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

Rest easy, Deputy George M. Martin. We have the watch.

🇺🇸 End of Watch: July 11, 1859
🕯️ We Will Never Forget.

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day from the Placer County Deputy Sheriffs' Association 🇺🇸

Today, as our nation celebrates 250 years of freedom, courage, and opportunity, we honor the vision and sacrifice of those who secured our independence and the generations of Americans who have preserved it.

The principles established in 1776 continue to inspire those who serve today. Every day, the men and women of the Placer County Sheriff's Office stand ready to protect our communities, uphold the Constitution, and safeguard the freedoms that define our nation.

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate this historic Independence Day, we also remember those who have worn the uniform before us, those currently serving, and the military members whose sacrifices have made our liberties possible.

From our families to yours, we wish everyone a safe, meaningful, and Happy Fourth of July.

Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸

06/08/2026

We’d like to give a shoutout and thank our wonderful Placer County citizens for their courageous actions when they observed an elderly woman getting victimized.

Thank you for taking the initiative and helping your fellow human being! Your selfless actions and willingness to help others are to be commended!

We appreciate you! ❤️

𝐌𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤
On Saturday, May 23, a woman fishing with her son and her elderly mother were violently attacked at Chana Park in North Auburn. The elderly victim, who uses a wheelchair, was knocked to the ground and briefly lost consciousness. The second victim was also knocked to the ground and repeatedly punched in the head.

A Good Samaritan heard the woman's cries for help, ran to assist, and tackled the suspect. With the help of another man who was at the park, he restrained the suspect until deputies arrived.

When deputies arrived at Chana Park just minutes after receiving reports of an assault in progress, they found 49-year-old Michael Appleberry, who was staying at The Gathering Inn in Auburn, being restrained by the two Good Samaritans. The investigation determined Appleberry had violently assaulted both women before the men intervened and stopped the attack.

Appleberry resisted arrest and later spit blood on medical personnel. He was arrested and booked into jail. He is currently being held on four felony charges, including battery and causing injury to an elder adult, as well as two misdemeanor charges.

We commend the quick actions of the two Good Samaritans whose intervention stopped the attack and likely prevented further injuries.