NCSO replaces shoulder patch with new design

The Nolan Sheriff’s Office replaced the 21-year-old circular patch worn on officers’ shoulders with a new shield design while connecting with the history of our agency.

The old circular shoulder patch shown on the right was adopted in 1997, during Donnie Rannefeld’s tenure as Nolan County Sheriff. The current shield design shoulder patch (center) was adopted in 2018, under the leadership of Sheriff David Warren.

The shield shape of the patch is recognition of the shield as a symbol of protection.

The State of Texas, widely known as the “Lone Star State,” features colors known worldwide that denote red for courage, white for purity and liberty, and blue for loyalty.

The gold star, positioned where Nolan County inhabits the state, represents ALL of Texas and stands for our unity as one for God, State, and Country”. The gold star further represents the shape of the badge of Law and Order of the frontier days and thereby its recognition of the founding of law enforcement in this great country.

The new shoulder patch is viewed as a symbol that stands on its own merits and is meant to represent the agency’s longstanding dedication and service to the community while ushering in a new era and generation of Deputies and Jailers with pride, integrity, and professionalism.

Sheriff David Warren swears in new Deputy

Martin McDonell – Deputy Sheriff

Sheriff David Warren swore in a new deputy on Friday, September 23, 2022. Martin McDonell took the oath of office and received his Deputy Sheriff badge in the presence of family, and friends to commemorate this special occasion. His wife was present at the ceremony and pinned the badge on him.

Deputy McDonell was hired by Sheriff David Warren and started his career is law enforcement in July 2020, and was assigned to the jail section of the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office where he worked as a jailer. He later attended the West Central Texas Law Enforcement Academy, in Abilene and was among a total of 15 cadets who graduated training on Monday, August 15, 2022, acquiring the title, Texas Peace Officer.

We are excited to have Deputy McDonell as part of our team. We wish him the best and look forward to his service.

Does this face look familiar?

Tory Jean Dean

The Nolan County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for Tory Jean Dean, a fugitive who has been hiding to avoid detection by law enforcement. Mr. Dean has been making late night trips into Nolan County for the purpose of depriving local ranchers of their hay and cattle feed. As a result, Mr. Dean has racked up an outstanding felony warrant issued out of the Justice Court in Nolan County, for the thefts. The Nolan County Sheriff’s Office needs your help to bring Mr. Dean to justice. He is a 47-year-old white male, 6’01″, 190 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes. Mr. Dean was last known to reside in the Merkel, Trent area, of Taylor County.

If you have information on the whereabouts or activities of this fugitive, you are encouraged to contact the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office at 325.235.5471, or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 325.235.TIPS (8477), you may also submit a tip online.

Chief Deputy David McDonald recognized for 25 years of service

Sheriff David Warren presents Chief Deputy David McDonald with certificate of appreciation

On Monday, April 18, 2022, Chief Deputy David McDonald was recognized for 25 years of dedicated service to the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office.  McDonald has served as a Patrol Deputy, Criminal Investigator, and for the last 13½ years as Chief Deputy.  McDonald holds a Master Peace Officer certification and an Instructor’s Certification with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.  McDonald is an active member of the Texas Chief Deputies Association where he has held many offices and committee appointments.  He also serves on the Nolan County Child Welfare Board and West Texas Children’s Advocacy Center board.

Sheriff David Warren described McDonald as a man of unquestionable integrity and one with great character and loyalty.  “We’ve been down the road a lot of years and a lot of hard miles together.  I’m very proud to have worked together with him for 25 years and to have had him as my Chief Deputy for over 13 of those years,” said Warren.

Sheriff David Warren swears in new Deputy

Sheriff David Warren swore in a new Deputy Sheriff on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Sidney “Sid” Brunson took the oath of office and received his Deputy Sheriff badge in the presence of his new co-workers, to commemorate this special occasion. Deputy Brunson is a South Plains Association of Governments Law Enforcement Academy graduate with over 23 years law enforcement experience. He will be assigned to the Courthouse Security Section of the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office. We are excited to have Deputy Brunson as part of our team and we wish him the best and look forward to his service.

Sheriff David Warren swears in new Criminal Investigator

Jay Strong – Criminal Investigator

On Thursday March 10, 2022, Sheriff David Warren swore in Jay Strong. He will be assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division of the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office. Investigator Strong retired from the United States Air Force and was First Sergeant for SFS before graduating from Arizona State University in 2013 with a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. He graduated in 2014 from the West Central Texas Law Enforcement Academy, in Abilene and has been in law enforcement for 24 years. Investigator Strong is married to Dr. Debra Notturno-Strong, and they have two children, Matthew and Alexandra. We wish Investigator Strong the best and look forward to his service.