Cochise County sheriff highlights community outreach, White House meeting and public‑safety reminders

Sheriff Mark Danels said on KWCD’s First Watch that he attended a White House roundtable on community impact and law‑enforcement support and used the meeting to press for federal backing on border‑related violence.

“Her and the president Trump administration is supportive of law enforcement in this country,” Danels said of U.S. Attorney Pam Bondi, who convened the meeting. “That was refreshing to hear.”

The sheriff also praised recent local prosecutions tied to smuggling operations, saying a driver implicated in a crash that killed three people was convicted this week and singling out county prosecutors by name. “Kudos to Lori Zuko, Brian McIntyre, and the county attorney’s office for getting those convictions,” Danels said.

Why it matters: Danels framed the White House meeting and the convictions as part of a push to restore federal‑state coordination on crimes related to the border, and he used the radio appearance to publicize sheriff’s‑office programs and safety guidance for Cochise County residents.

Danels outlined several community items and law‑enforcement priorities. He said applications for nonprofit partners for the sheriff’s charity ride are available online. “If you’re interested and you need some funds for your 501C 3, you wanna be a partner with the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office and the community…get your app in,” he said. He also announced a Top Cop recognition selected by the Legacy Foundation and scheduled the sheriff’s office award ceremony for 11 a.m. that day.

The sheriff described training and outreach additions, including driving and helicopter simulators installed at Cochise College that were refurbished from decommissioned patrol cars. “They refurbished them, made them simulators. They’re the coolest thing,” he said.

Danels delivered public‑safety advice on two traffic issues and on public drinking laws. On intersection behavior he said, “Yellow lights…start prepared to stop. Not go faster,” after describing a crash he witnessed. On public consumption he said, “It is illegal in the state of Arizona to drink alcohol in public unless designated by a restricted area,” and described a recent arrest of a man drinking at a bus‑stop bench who also had outstanding warrants.

He also warned listeners about a nationwide emergency alert test scheduled for noon and advised residents not to be alarmed: “Don’t be concerned, but do be aware.”

Speakers listed for this article include the sheriff and show hosts; all direct quotations are from Sheriff Mark Danels.

Ending: Danels closed by reiterating community outreach and events, and by inviting listeners to contact the sheriff’s office for information about the charity ride and other programs.