Empire is a small community of approximately 3,500 people located east of the city of Modesto.  The town has the dubious distinction of having the railroad crossing that backs up traffic for miles, or so it seems.  In 1989, Empire was one of the first towns in the service area of the Sheriff's Department to have a deputy assigned exclusively to their community.  That same year, the Empire Municipal Advisory Council, or better know as the "MAC" was established.  The MAC meets on the second Monday of each month at 7:00pm at the Empire Community Center.  The Empire Community Center was opened on September 12, 1998.  The center is located at 18 South Abbie Street and houses the Sheriff's Department, County Library and Health Clinic.

The community of Empire has one lieutenant and two full time deputies assigned to the town.  They are Lieutenant Douglas J. Leo, Deputies Sean Williams and Patrick McCullock.  The Sheriff's Sub-Station is open Monday - Friday, 10:00am to 4:00pm Volunteers from the Sheriff's Department STAR Program work at the sub-station.

The Empire Union School District serves the community and is considered to be one of the best in the county.  Empire Elementary and Teel Middle School have, a combined student population of 1,780 students.

With an anticipated opening of spring 2002, the yet to be completed city park at the corner of Yosemite and "I" streets should make a great addition to the community.  The park sits on 5 1/2 acres with plans for a soccer field, walking trail, barbecues, picnic areas, restrooms and a parking lot.