Sheriff Jeremiah Petersen

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.