Sherman Block
Sheriff Block was born July 19, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois. During World War II he served
three and one-half years in the United States Army with duties in both Europe and the
Orient.
The Sheriff attended Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., where he majored in
engineering. He is an honors graduate of California State University at Los Angeles,
where re received he Bachelor of Science Degree in Police Science.
On May 1, 1956, Sheriff Block entered the Sheriff's Department as a deputy sheriff
trainee. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in January 1960 and held every
successive rank to the rank of Sheriff.
Sheriff Peter J. Pitchess appointed him to the position of undersheriff on March 17, 1975.
On January 17, 1982, Sheriff Peter J. Pitchess, stepped down and on his recommendation,
the Board of Supervisors unanimously selected Sherman Block to succeed him.
Four months later Block was elected to his own term as Sheriff.
In October 1998, tragedy struck. Sheriff Block suffered a head injury due to a fall and
was hospitalized. On October 29, he succumbed to the injury.