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Cochise County sheriff outlines public-safety priorities, national appointment and recent fatal crash
Summary
Sheriff Mark Dannels described local public‑safety work including a mental‑health care team grant, his appointment to the Homeland Security Advisory Council, a late‑night crash that killed two people and guidance on drought‑related wildlife encounters and fireworks safety.
Sheriff Mark Dannels of the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office recapped public‑safety work and priorities on KWCD’s First Watch radio program, citing plans to seek continued funding for a local mental‑health first‑responder team, his appointment to a federal advisory council, a recent two‑fatality crash and public cautions about drought‑driven wildlife activity and fireworks safety.
Dannels told host Grady Butler that the sheriff’s office wants to maintain a “care team” — a non‑uniformed early‑intervention mental‑health response program currently funded by a local grant from the Legacy Foundation — and that he has discussed joining state and other grants to continue the service beyond the grant’s remaining year. “We really wanna see that continue,” he said.
The sheriff said the White House and Department of Homeland Security announced his appointment to the Homeland Security Advisory Council and that sheriffs’ associations supported his nomination. “I’m honored to serve,” he said, and added he intends to bring local public‑safety perspectives to national discussions.
Dannels described an overnight collision that investigators say involved a motorcyclist traveling the wrong way on Highway 90 and a 17‑year‑old female victim. Border Patrol had reported the motorcycle at excessive speed near a checkpoint before the crash; the sheriff said the crash occurred about 2:30 a.m. and that vehicles at the scene burned. He said investigators and the sheriff’s office are working the case and extended condolences to the families.
The sheriff warned residents to watch for wildlife coming down from the mountains because of drought conditions and urged situational awareness while hiking or recreating. “We just have to be careful because of the drought,” he said, adding authorities post guidance on social media to reduce harm to people and animals.
Dannels also reminded listeners that Arizona law allows DUI enforcement off paved roads and on private property when impairment is present, and he urged caution around fireworks as dry conditions raise fire risk ahead of summer celebrations. “Don’t drink and drive and be safe,” he said.
The segment included descriptions of recent travel and meetings Dannels attended, including a change‑of‑command at Fort Huachuca and the National Sheriffs’ Association meeting in Florida, where he said law‑enforcement leaders discussed interagency cooperation. He also recounted a ceremonial swearing‑in of a child named DJ by more than 1,300 sheriffs at the national conference.
The sheriff encouraged residents to report suspicious activity and reminded the public the office posts updates and outreach on its Facebook page.
