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Sheriff highlights volunteer awards, deputy testing and pay increases for recruits
Summary
Sheriff Mark Danos recognized volunteers at the Sheriff's Assist Team annual luncheon, said recent deputy testing drew dozens of applicants and announced starting pay increases: deputy starting pay $60,000 and detention officers $50,000.
Sheriff Mark Danos used a local radio program to highlight the Cochise County Sheriff's Office's volunteer recognition event, recent deputy testing and recent salary increases for entry‑level positions.
Danos said the Sheriff's Assist Team (SAT) held its annual awards luncheon at Cochise College, where Alan Wheeler was named volunteer of the year and John Black was recognized as the SAT commander. "They had a really amazing job," Danos said of the volunteers and staff who organized the event.
The sheriff said the office held deputy testing earlier in the week and that about 30 to 40 applicants turned out. "I was impressed when I walked into the testing center," Danos said, adding that he met applicants and discussed standards for new hires.
Danos announced that starting pay for a deputy in the county is now $60,000 and that detention officers — civilian positions in the jail — start at $50,000. "We're moving the needle and I'm proud to say that," Danos said.
He framed the recruitment work as part of supporting families of law enforcement and maintaining department morale after a recent violent incident involving federal partners in Tucson. Danos said the county will continue outreach to attract recruits and thanked community groups, including Rotarians and local fire and medical officials, who attended the volunteer luncheon.
The sheriff did not specify how many job offers, if any, resulted from the recent testing or the budget source for the pay increases beyond general personnel adjustments.
