STURGIS, S.D. — Meade County Sheriff Pat West is requesting funding for two additional deputies as the county’s growing population continues to drive a sharp increase in calls for service.
West made the request as the Meade County Commission began discussions on the county’s 2027 budget, citing a workload that has more than doubled for deputies over the past decade.
According to the sheriff, Meade County’s population has grown from 25,453 in 2010 to nearly 32,000 today. During that same period, calls for service have increased from 9,159 in 2013 to more than 21,000 in 2025.
West said the growth has placed increasing demands on deputies and stretched department resources. As a result, calls for service handled per deputy have more than doubled since 2013.
The sheriff told commissioners that adding two deputies would help the department keep pace with the county’s continued growth, improve response capabilities and maintain public safety services for residents across Meade County.
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