Big Idea

• It’s National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
• We have some of the best men and women in the country serving in our local law enforcement agencies
• Our local police chiefs are leaders in the community as well
• It’s a great time to stop and say thanks to these men and women.
• Read more...

It’s the National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. In our community, we have some awesome law enforcement agencies.

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office is led by Sheriff David Rhodes. He began his career as a volunteer and officially joined the Yavapai Sheriff’s department in 1994. He was elected Sheriff in November, 2020.
Yavapai County Sheriff: https://www.ycsoaz.gov

Prescott Police Department has Chief Amy Bonney at the helm. Bonney was born and raised in Prescott, and has served the Prescott Police Department for 23 years. Following a national search, Bonney was selected as Chief in June, 2021.

“It is an absolute honor to be appointed Chief of the Prescott Police Department,” said Bonney at the time. I am humbled to lead and serve alongside the men and women of the Prescott Police Department. Together we will continue to lead the way in serving our community, and working collaboratively with our public safety and city partners to keep Prescott a safe and wonderful place to live, work and visit.”
Prescott Police: https://www.prescott-az.gov/amy-bonney-named-prescott-police-chief/

In June, 2021, the Prescott Valley Police Chief Steven Roser announced his retirement from Law Enforcement as of July 2, 2021. In the meantime, Acting Police Chief Jeremy Martin has served with distinction with the Prescott Valley Police Department since 2005.
Prescott Valley Police: https://www.pvaz.net/296/Chief-of-Police

Charles (Chuck) Wynn is the Chief of Police in Chino Valley. He has been in his role as Chief longer than any of the other Chiefs in the area. The Town of Chino Valley Council has approved a construction contract for a new, two-story police facility, which will provide room for future expansion, better visibility and access for the public.
Chino Valley Police: http://www.chinoaz.net/365/Administration

Tyran Payne serves as the Chief of Police at Yavapai College. He served with the Department for 6 years, rising in the ranks from officer, sergeant and lieutenant, and earning his associates degree in criminal justice at Yavapai College. He is an American veteran of the US Army Police Corps. Chief Payne, “...envisions the YCPD being a catalyst for change in policing and the justice system.” You can read more about his remarkable story here:
Chief Tyran Payne with Yavapai College: https://www.yc.edu/v6/news/2021/07/payne.html

All of these community leaders in law enforcement would agree on one thing: They couldn’t do it alone. It takes a robust team of very special, outstanding men and women to be police officers, especially in our world today. These Police Chiefs are where they are, and can do what they do, because of the police forces they lead.

So, to the Prescott-area police: We stand with you, we support you and we trust you. Thank you for all that you do. We know that mistakes can be made, that your officers are human, and, rarely, sometimes the wrong people are in the wrong position. But we also know that the vast majority of the local law enforcement is made up of men and women who deeply care for our community and only want to see us all protected from harm and danger. Without you, our communities would not be the safe places they are, where we feel comfortable going about our lives and raising our families.

Editor,

Lynne LaMaster