MADERA COUNTY, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – The community is mourning the passing of Retired Madera County Sheriff Ed Bates, a World War II veteran, Fresno State lecturer, and “cornerstone” of local law enforcement.
Officials say Bates passed away peacefully at his home on May 1; he was 99 years old.
“Sheriff Bates was not only a cornerstone of Madera County law enforcement but also a symbol of unwavering dedication, courage, and integrity,” Madera County Sheriff Tyson J. Pogue said. “His passing is a significant loss to those who loved him, as well as not only our department, but the entire community, and he will be deeply missed.”…