FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — Former Fresno County Sheriff Steven Magarian has passed away at age 82.
“Steve put up a fierce battle with cancer. We now know he is no longer suffering and is in a better place. Steve was a great man who cared for his family and our agency,” current Sheriff John Zanoni said in a statement.
Magarian began his law enforcement career in 1966 as a reserve deputy sheriff and was hired as a regular deputy in 1968.
He worked on several assignments, including in the jail, courts and patrol early in his career.
He also earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Fresno State while working at the department.
In 1986, Magarian was elected sheriff and was re-elected both in 1990 and 1994.
He retired in 1999, marking 33 years in public service. He is survived by his wife and his two daughters.
“His life may have ended, but his legacy here at the Fresno County Sheriff’s will forever be remembered by all of us”, Zanoni continued.
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
