Meet your Sheriff
Since November 2012, Sheriff Mark J. Dannels has been elected by the good citizens of Cochise County to serve as their 26th Cochise County Sheriff since 1881. I continue to be Humbled, Honored and Dedicated to my oath of office for this incredible opportunity to serve you all with my personal commitment to sustain your Quality of Life as you would expect, and your Freedoms and Liberties as scribed in the United States and Arizona Constitutions.
Sheriff Mark J. Dannels is a 39-year veteran of law enforcement. He holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Management from Aspen University and is a Certified Public Manager from Arizona State University. He has over 3000 hours of law enforcement training in his portfolio. He attended Disney’s Leadership and Executive Training programs and is a graduate of the Rural Executive Management Institute. He began his law enforcement career in 1984 after serving a successful tour in the United States Army. He progressed through the ranks with the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office to the position of Deputy Commander after working numerous specialty assignments and leadership roles to include an appointment by the Arizona Governor for his dedicated efforts directed toward highway and community safety.
Sheriff Dannels is a long time member of the Fraternal Order of Police, past member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Advisory Council, current member of the National Sheriffs Association where he serves as the Border Security Chairman, Southwest Border Sheriffs Executive Board, Western States Sheriffs Association Executive Board, Arizona Sheriffs Association where he serves as past-president, Chair of the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board, Arizona Homeland Security-Regional Advisory Council, Alliance to Combat Transnational Threats, Border Security Advisory Council, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area and serves on several community service groups; San Pedro Kiwanis, Just Kids Inc., CASA, Sierra Vista Elks, the Boys and Girls Club of Sierra Vista, former Varsity Wrestling Coach at Buena High School, and teaches at Wayland Baptist University and Cochise College. Sheriff Dannels participates in many community outreach programs such as Project Graduation, Sizzle, Stocking Stuffers, Community Haunted House, Men who Cook, Kars for Kids, Miss Sierra Vista and Shop with a Cop.
Sheriff Dannels has been recognized and awarded the Medal of Valor, Western States Sheriff of the Year, Outstanding Business Person of the Year, Western States Sheriff Star, Marquis Who’s Who, Sheriff’s Medal, Deputy of the Year, Distinguished Service Award, Unit Citation Award, National Police Hall of Fame, Lifesaving Award and dozens of community-service awards from service groups and governmental organizations.
Sheriff Dannels is married to Nickie, a Registered Nurse. They have three sons, Justin, a Police Officer/Corporal with the City of Sierra Vista, Ryan a Firefighter/Paramedic with the City of Sierra Vista, and Corey, a Lineman with the Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative.
Sheriff Dannels has 3 primary objectives: Organizational Development, Border Security and Community Outreach.
“A Sheriff for All the People”
Messages from Sheriff Dannels
I solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the laws of the State of Arizona; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and defend them against all enemies whatsoever, and that I will faithfully and impartially perform the duties of the office of Deputy Sheriff, according to the best of my ability so help me God.
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