[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 191 (Wednesday, November 12, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1065]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF STEVE DAN MAGARIAN

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2025

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life 
of Steve Dan Magarian, a devoted father, friend, and public servant, 
who passed away on September 22, 2025, at the age of 82.
  Born in Fresno California, on October 13, 1942, Steve was the son of 
Dan and Alice Magarian and grew up, steeped in the values of hard work, 
service, and community. He graduated from Roosevelt High School and 
went on to earn both his bachelor's and master's degrees with 
distinction from California State University, Fresno.
  Steve's early career was altered by a motor vehicle accident that 
ended his pursuit of military aviation in the United States Air Force. 
Instead, he returned home and rejoined the grocery business, becoming a 
store manager in his twenties. But it was his role as a reserve deputy 
with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office that would change the 
trajectory of his life.
  In 1968, he became a full-time deputy sheriff, beginning a career in 
law enforcement that would span more than three decades. He served 
numerous assignments, including jail, courts, patrol, and steadily rose 
through the ranks. In 1986, Steve was elected as Fresno County's 23rd 
sheriff, taking office in 1987. He was reelected twice, unopposed, and 
served until his retirement in 1999.
  Under Sheriff Magarian's leadership, the department secured several 
milestones, including the construction of the Main Jail and North Annex 
Jail, the creation of the Air Support Unit, and the implementation of 
one of the Nation's first computerized field reporting systems. He also 
spearheaded the formation of the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement 
Consortium (MAGEC).
  After retiring from law enforcement, Steve continued to serve the 
community as a professor at California State University, Fresno, 
teaching part time for 20 years and shaping the next generation of law 
enforcement professionals with a focus on ethics and integrity, which 
were his characteristic traits.
  He also served as Chief of Investigations for the Fresno County 
District Attorney's Office, and most recently, as a Trustee of the 
Fresno Sheriff's Memorial Foundation, where he helped lead efforts to 
honor fallen officers with a permanent memorial.
  Steve Magarian was deeply devoted to his family. He is survived by 
his wife Joanne, his daughters Erica Magarian and Gina (Brian) 
Blodgett, and his cherished grandsons, Brandon and Brayden. He was 
preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Alice, and his sister, 
Delores Merlo.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
Steve Dan Magarian for his extraordinary service to the people of 
Fresno County and the state of California. May his life continue to 
inspire future generations to lead with courage, integrity, and 
unwavering commitment to public service and community.

                          ____________________