After 22 years serving Alpine County, Sheriff-Coroner Tom Minder is preparing to retire, leaving behind a career marked by public safety improvements, community partnerships, and a leadership role that made him one of the few Native Americans to serve as sheriff in California.
The Alpine County Board of Supervisors recognized Minder’s years of service at its October 20 meeting, presenting a resolution honoring his contributions to the county and its residents.
Minder began his full-time career with the Alpine County Sheriff’s Office in 2004 as a deputy sheriff. He became a sergeant in 2014, was promoted to undersheriff in 2020, and was appointed interim sheriff in June 2022. He took office as an elected sheriff in January 2023.
During his career, Minder worked on public safety challenges unique to Alpine County, including search and rescue operations in remote backcountry areas and maintaining emergency communications systems.
Alpine County says that under his leadership, the Sheriff’s Office strengthened emergency preparedness and coordination with other departments. His work also included improvements to the county’s emergency radio infrastructure, developing the Sheriff’s Office shooting range as a training resource and establishing collaborative Emergency Operations Center team meetings.
Minder also built strong relationships across the community, including a longstanding partnership with the Washoe Tribe and the Hung-A-Lel-Ti Community. Those efforts helped strengthen trust, communication, and cooperation around public safety.
Alpine County officials also recognized Minder’s approach to leadership, describing a career shaped not only by operational work but also by his willingness to help others and build relationships with residents and county employees.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to Sheriff Minder for his 22 years of service to Alpine County and his lifelong commitment and dedication to public safety,” Alpine County CEO Sam Booth said.
Undersheriff Taylor Green also praised Minder’s leadership and the foundation he established for the Sheriff’s Office.
“Sheriff Tom Minder has dedicated years of service to Alpine County and its residents. I’m grateful for his leadership, commitment, and the foundation he has built for our Sheriff’s Office. I wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement,” Green said.
As Minder prepares to conclude his career, the county also recognized the sacrifices made by his family, including his wife, Kim, throughout his years of public service.
The Board of Supervisors’ resolution highlights Minder’s lasting contributions through leadership, mentorship, collaboration, and care for the people who live in, work in, and visit Alpine County.
