Council names Frye Avenue property Henry Jones Legacy Park to honor Buffalo soldier and community night watchman

The Sierra Vista City Council on June 12 unanimously approved resolution 2025-044 to name the city-owned property at Frye Boulevard and Fab Avenue as the Henry Jones Legacy Park, honoring Henry Jones, a Buffalo Soldier who later served as a long-time community night watchman.

Elizabeth (identified as the city public information officer and vice president of the Sierra Vista Historical Society) nominated the dedication and recounted Jonesmilitary service with the 10th Cavalry beginning in 1911, his deployment during World War I and his return to Fort Huachuca. Elizabeth said Jones patrolled the community nightly from 1947 until the city established local law enforcement and that his family hosted Catholic services in their home.

Marta Messimer, Jones's granddaughter, and Martie Jones, a long-time Sierra Vista resident and retired Frye volunteer firefighter, shared personal stories, including Jones checking unlocked businesses after hours and community members collecting money to pay him for his patrols. Demetria Warren, president of the Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldiers Incorporated, urged the council to "place his name where it belongs at the heart of a community he loved and protected." Several councilmembers, city staff and representatives of Saint Andrews the Apostle Catholic Church and the Parks and Recreation Commission expressed support.

Councilwoman Landry moved adoption of the resolution; the motion passed with no opposition announced on the record. Staff said the nomination had unanimous support from the Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldiers, Saint Andrews the Apostle Catholic Church, the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Parks, Recreation and Library director and the city manager.