We are saddened to learn Cochise County sheriff, Larry Dever, died in a single-vehicle crash in Northern Arizona last night. Sheriff Dever’s county shares a border with Mexico and he was an outspoken defender of Arizona’s attempts to reduce the crimes associated with illegal immigration and lax border enforcement. Dever also stood with nine other Arizona sheriff’s to demand accountability for those involved in Operation Fast and Furious.

Sheriff Dever was running unopposed for his fifth and final term as Cochise County sheriff.  Our condolences go out to Mr. Dever’s family and friends, who were already dealing with the loss of his Mother to cancer less than a week ago.  Sheriff Dever devoted 34 years of his life to law enforcement in Cochise County and he will be greatly missed.

R.I.P. Sheriff Larry Dever

Update: Please read Jim Sharpe’s farewell essay about Larry Dever.