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RETIRED SHERIFF FRED WOODS Fred’s Law Enforcement Career: After leaving the Marine Corps in 1954, Fred started his law enforcement career with the Turlock Police Department as a patrolman. He often recalled the days when he responded to bar fights at various liquor establishments along old Hwy 99 which runs through the City of Turlock. A friend convinced him to apply for a deputy sheriff position with Stanislaus County. In 1958, he was offered a job by Sheriff Dan Kelsay. As customary, Deputy Woods started as a jailer in the downtown jail. Back then it housed men and women prisoners and certain types of juvenile offenders. About a year later, Deputy Woods was assigned to the patrol division for a couple of years. He often shared stories about his early days with the sheriff’s office and spoke fondly about working the “late car” where he and another deputy would double-up in a patrol car and handle the entire county alone.· His favorite partner was a large deputy who stood about 6-8 and weighed around 250 lbs. According to Fred, it didn’t take long to clean-up a bar fight or take the fight out of a wife-beater. Their mere presence often restored peace without having to take action. He followed his career path to the superior court as a bailiff for the Honorable Judge David Bush. After a year assignment in the courts Deputy Woods went back on patrol and soon became a detective. He really enjoyed the new job investigating burglaries and other property crimes. Among the many pictures that hung in his office there was one that stood out. It was a picture of a burglary scene he investigated. It shows him searching through some stolen property looking for evidence. He used to kid about being a “damn good detective.” Deputy Woods was a natural leader and Sheriff Kelsay wisely promoted him to the rank of sergeant around 1962 and again to Lieutenant in 1969. Lt. Woods established himself as a strong leader and role model. He attended the F.B.I. National Academy in Quantico, VA. He served as a patrol commander on cover watch. Lt Woods was the go-to guy when there was a problem. He was re-assigned for a short time to correct some operational deficiencies in the county jail following a scathing Grand Jury Report. He assumed the difficult task of coordinating the statewide funeral service of Sheriff’s Detective Billy Dickens who was gunned down at a Hughson Bank. Both were pistol team members and close friends.· ·As a lieutenant he was responsible for upgrading the countywide police radio system which broadcasted to every local agency including the CHP and FBI. His achievements were duly noted by Sheriff Kelsay who promoted him to Captain in 1972.
After serving 20 years, Sheriff Kelsay retired and voters elected Lynn Wood as the new Sheriff-Coroner in 1975. It came as no surprise when Sheriff Wood tapped Fred Woods to serve as Undersheriff. Without doubt Fred was the best candidate for the job. Among other projects Fred was heavily involved in the construction of the first County Coroner’s Facility and the renovation of the former Juvenile Detention Center to the first Women’s Jail. Both located on Oakdale Road. His day-to-day responsibilities included personnel, payroll, internal affairs and budget. He served as the final authority in disciplinary matters. Fred attended all County Board of Supervisors meetings and dealt directly with the Board on all matters involving the Sheriff’s Office. He was a fierce advocate for public safety and more than once battled the Board over budget issues. Fred held this position for nearly 11 years when Sheriff Lynn Wood announced his retirement. The Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors appointed Fred Woods as sheriff to fill the unexpired term. Fred Woods the Man: First and foremost Fred was a family man and cop second. He instilled that belief in every sheriff’s employee; especially the rookies. Spending time with family was most important to him. He was an avid golfer. He competed in several other sports including softball, basketball and exceled at horseshoes where he won 2 gold medals at the California Police Olympics. Fred was largely responsible for creating the Bacon Bowl Football Classic which featured the Modesto Police vs Sheriff’s Office. He loved to go fishing. Fred had reddish complexion and was affectionately referred to as “Red Fred”.· He was hugely popular among members of the sheriff’s office with his ability to balance toughness with fairness while always being decisive. You always knew where you stood with Fred.· He moved around the office daily interacting with all the employees. He was probably the last sheriff to routinely offer hugs to the ladies as this would become taboo in the workplace. Fred was a patriot. He was kind and considerate. He was never late. He was sensitive to the needs of those less fortunate and particularly people with disabilities. ·He spent much of his lunch hours sitting on the sidewalk bench in front of the Courthouse (old sheriff’s office) enjoying the fresh air and greeting· employees and members of the public.· The homeless could always count on him for a handout. Fred never picked a fight, but he wouldn’t back down from one either. He was deliberate in thought and tenacious in action. He was an excellent public speaker and always prepared. ·He never sought attention by rank. He simply answered the telephone “Woods speaking” and was comfortable being called just “Fred”. ·Sheriff Fred Woods retired in January 1987. |
Friends of Sheriff Woods |
Captain Woods took on several other projects that shaped Stanislaus County. He helped design and build the County Animal Control Center on Finch Road. It replaced the aging and pitiful conditions at the former “dog pound” on Grayson Road. Back then, animal control duties were placed under the county sheriff. ·Captain Woods took the lead on forming the county’s first inter-agency drug enforcement unit known as SDEA. It earned national attention as a premier drug enforcement agency and has been modeled by many other jurisdictions throughout the country. It is still in operation today.