The Sheriffs' Association of Texas is among one of the oldest law enforcement organizations of its kind in the nation. Sheriffs assembled for the first time on August 14, 1874 and held their first Training Conference in 1878.

The preamble of the first meeting: "That we, as Sheriffs, have assembled in convention for no political purpose what so ever, but for the purpose of more successfully aiding each other as officers, to execute the laws, in the discharge of our duties against criminals, and for the further and better protection of the citizens of our respective communities and the State at large." This continues to be our mission today! 

Training
It is the objective of the Sheriffs' Association of Texas to ensure that each officer performs their tasks in the most professional manner. To obtain this goal, all officers must have continuous training to be aware of new procedures and laws. The Association conducts frequent training programs to meet these needs. The Association has been awarded a training agreement with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education and provides formal training credit.
The Annual Training Conference is the highlight of the Association's year. The Conference is conducted during July and held in a different city each year. This is the largest composite gathering of law enforcement officers in the State of Texas. Participants include Sheriffs, Federal and State Law Enforcement Agencies, along with major industry security personnel. 

Legislative Support
The Sheriffs' Association of Texas Legislative Committee is composed of Sheriffs from around the state. They are active participants in the legislative process and ensure that all bills introduced which effect the duties, responsibilities, training, court and jail functions of the sheriffs, are given their consideration. 
The Sheriffs' Association of Texas has an interest in any new or amended laws that may effect any peace officer in Texas. After the bills are signed into law, SAT makes a concerted effort to disseminate the information to the applicable agencies. During the Annual Training Conference, recently passed bills are presented in a book, published by SAT, entitled Selected New Legislation. 
The Sheriffs' Association of Texas also provides Sheriffs, their staff, and other peace officers with legal and technical advice. This advice covers both civil and criminal matters including statutes, court cases, and Attorney General Opinions. 

Scholarships
The Sheriffs' Association of Texas offers scholarships to eligible students pursuing an academic degree at a college or university. In addition to the Sheriffs' Association of Texas Scholarships, several others are made available through the generosity of individuals or other organizations. These funds are managed by the Sheriffs' Association of Texas for award to qualified students. The scholarships are awarded in the Spring and Fall of each year. 

Peace Officer Scholarship

Publication
The Texas Lawman is the official, quarterly magazine which is distributed to both the Active and Associate Members. It contains current court decisions, news from sheriffs' offices around the state, legislative news, senior news and much more. The member enjoys articles on current trends in criminal activities and professional suggestions for protection of your property. 

Lost Lawman Memorial
In March of 1993, SAT initiated research efforts to identify, confirm and compile the names of all Sheriffs, Deputies, and Jailers who have died in the line of duty throughout Texas history. As a result of those efforts, the names submitted and researched are engraved on this Memorial, which is located on the grounds of the Association headquarters in Austin. 
A formal dedication of this Memorial was conducted on May 15, 1994. At this time, 274 names were inscribed on the walls. The walls of the Memorial are constructed from 11 block granite panels, with the capacity to hold 374 names. The granite used to construct this Memorial was taken from the same quarry as the black granite used to construct the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. On November 19, 1999, a rededication service was held to add an additional 39 names to the Memorial. On November 16, 2001, approximately 30 additional names were added.

Officers

Sheriff Terry G. Box
President
Collin County

Sheriff J.B. Smith
First Vice-President
Smith County

Sheriff William J. Fiveash
Second Vice-President
Concho County

Sheriff Milton Jung
Third Vice-President
Gillespie County

Sheriff Patrick B. Toombs
Sergeant-At-Arms
Mitchell County

Board of Directors

Sheriff Joe Hataway
Ochiltree County

Sheriff Y.E. "Chel" Duarte
Terrell County

Sheriff Sigfredo "Sigi"
Gonzalez, Jr.

Sheriff Don Montague
Hays County

Sheriff Billy Rowles
Jasper County

Sheriff James C. Stroud
Rusk County

Robert O. Hewes
Chaplain
Retired Sheriff, Fulton, TX

Staff
Steve M. Westbrook
Executive Director

Sara M. Pedersen
Programs & Services Director

Tom Bullington
Legal/Technical Advisor

Bill Childers
Training Coordinator

Norma Vasquez
Office Manager

Shelly Martinez
Membership Supervisor

Tia DeBord
Membership Accountant

Rosemary Clapham
Receptionist

Sherlynn Kelly
Administrative Assistant