Sheriff Danels highlights veterans events, charity distribution and grant-funded AED purchases

Sheriff Mark Danels outlined recent and upcoming community outreach by the Cochise County Sheriff's Office, emphasizing veterans services, charity fundraising and new life-saving equipment purchased with grant funds.

Danels described the 13th annual Sheriff27s Charity Bridal ride as "another huge success," saying organizers distributed about $50,000 in grants this year to support community requests such as sports teams and other groups that fit the charity27s protocols. He thanked sponsors and volunteers and called the turnout "a proud moment" for Cochise County.

On veterans affairs, Danels described participating in a "bring a vet to lunch" event run by the Sky Island Regional Partnership and said about 300 people attended. He also noted recent inductees to the Canyon Vista Medical Center veterans wall and encouraged public participation in the Veterans Day parade.

Danels announced grant-funded purchases of public-safety equipment, saying the county ordered about 110 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and 11 trauma-box kits for EMTs, paramedics, the sheriff27s helicopter and regional SWAT vehicles. "These are boxes, trauma boxes, for our EMTs, our paramedics," he said, describing the kits as step-by-step tools that guide responders at a scene.

He also previewed Salvation Army fundraising activities and the sheriff27s office annual bell-ringing on Black Friday and described the Sheriff27s Assist Team as about 35 volunteers, roughly 85% of whom he said are military veterans. Danels asked residents to support local charitable services during a period of increased need.