McFarland honored with retirement plaque
Lassen County elected officials and Lassen County Sheriff’s Office employees honored Captain Matthew McFarland for his retirement after 22 years.
“It’s a big transition when you move into retirement, and I’ve got a lot of support, but I’ll miss these guys,” said McFarland, who was recognized during the Tuesday, Feb. 19 Lassen County Board of Supervisors meeting for his dedication and time spent working for the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office.
“Matt did a great job with us, was a great partner for many years for all of us. He provided great, real quality service to the people of our county,” said Lassen County Sheriff Dean Growdon.
The sheriff continued thanking McFarland for his 22 years of service and wished him well in his retirement.
McFarland started working as a correctional officer for the county in July 1994, before a brief stint where he went to work for the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office. He returned to Lassen as a deputy sheriff in 2001, was promoted to sergeant in 2005 and again to captain in 2011, a position he held until his retirement Sept. 30, 2018, according to the proclamation unanimously approved by the supervisors.
During his time with the county department, when McFarland was a sergeant he worked as the patrol supervisor and supervised the investigations unit. As a captain, he served as the commander of the custody division, commander of the patrol division and as the administrative captain, which he did until his retirement.
Additionally, McFarland served as a firearms instructor, taser instructor and on the SWAT team. He also worked as the county’s terrorism liaison coordinator, and worked closely with the California Office of Emergency Services and homeland security.
“Matthew was a dedicated employee who was deeply committed to the mission of the sheriff’s office, and was proud to serve in the law enforcement profession,” read the proclamation.
Prior to his time working with the county, McFarland served the country in the United States Army from 1988 to 1991, where he was assigned to a rapid deployment infantry unit, serving in Iraq during Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Through his service, he was involved in the largest land battle since World War II against the Hammurabi Division of the Republic Guard, according to the proclamation.
“Matthew McFarland proudly and honorably served our country in extraordinary circumstances,” the document read.
The board unanimously approved the proclamation, which was read aloud during the meeting where a large group arrived in support of McFarland.
