Steve Magarian, who started as a reserve deputy and worked his way through the ranks to be elected as Fresno County sheriff, died Monday of cancer with his family at his side.

Mr. Magarian, a mentor to sheriffs and often sought out for his sage political advice, was 82 years old.

The Fresno native won election to lead the sheriff’s office in 1986, succeeding Hal McKinney, and served three terms, the last of which concluded in 1999.

His death was announced Monday by the sheriff’s office.

Roosevelt High and Fresno State Graduate

Mr. Magarian graduated from Roosevelt High School and soon began his law enforcement career as a reserve with the sheriff’s office in 1966. Two years later, he became a deputy and worked in the jail and courts, as well as on patrol. All the while, he continued t

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