Sheriff Jeremiah Petersen
The Sheriff of Missoula County serves as the chief law enforcement officer and coroner and is responsible for the enforcement of state statutes and county laws within the 2,618 square miles within Missoula County.
Jeremiah grew up on a ranch in Frenchtown, where he learned the accomplishments and rewards of hard work. After graduating from Frenchtown High School, he attended the University of Montana and put his work ethic and mental and physical attributes to the test. He played football at UM and is a proud member of the 1995 national championship team. He graduated in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in sociology with an emphasis in justice studies.
Former Sheriff Doug Chase hired Jeremiah as a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office deputy in 2002. Jeremiah worked in the Patrol Division for more than 15 years where he held many roles, including search and rescue coordinator, field training officer, corporal and sergeant. In November 2016 he moved to the Detective Division and became the task force commander of the Missoula Drug Task Force. He held that position until November 2019, when he was promoted to the rank of captain and assigned to the Missoula County Detention Facility in charge of operations.
Throughout his time of service, Jeremiah believed that our communities still, and always will, deserve the best in safety and service that the Sheriff’s Office can provide. With that commitment and his respected leadership skills, Jeremiah was elected sheriff in November 2022.
Jeremiah lives in the Missoula area with his wife, two daughters and son.
Undersheriff Jeremy Meeder
The Undersheriff is second in command of Missoula County Sheriff’s Office. The Undersheriff manages the operation and administrative functions of the agency.
I have been very fortunate to have started my career with Missoula County Sheriff’s Office and have served the residents and visitors in Missoula County for over 30 years. I started as a cadet, then served as a Reserve Deputy until I landed my first permanent, full-time position at the Detention Center. After serving four years at the Detention Center, I applied and was hired as a Deputy.
Throughout my career I have served in a variety of positions including Field Training Officer, training new hires, Patrol Sergeant, Lieutenant in the Detective Division, Patrol Lieutenant, Training Lieutenant, Special Teams Lieutenant, K9 Supervisor, and finally in my current role as Undersheriff.
I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to specialize in multiple disciplines. I served, for several years, as a Bomb Technician and worked my way up to the position of Bomb Commander for Western Montana. I participated as a Dive Team Member for 10 years and also filled the role as the Primary Firearms Instructor for 15 years.
Beyond my roles in public service I have taken advantage of many outdoor activities our area has to offer in all seasons with my wife and children.