Sierra Vista Herald
The generosity of Howard Buffett has helped realize a dream former Cochise County Sheriff Larry Dever wanted for his fellow law enforcement officers.
Monday morning ground was broken — appropriately by the late Dever’s grandsons among others — on a shooting range that when it is completed will put Cochise County on the map for the facility.
Buffett will donate to cover the cost of construction of the planned state-of-the-art range, serving as a training ground for deputies and law enforcement.
The project is well-timed for several reasons. Dever died unexpectedly last September and was immediately celebrated by friends and family for all he contributed to law enforcement in Cochise County.
His death left big shoes to fill for the next sheriff, after more than a decade of service that made Dever a national figure as he alerted America to the problems of crime and illegal immigration along the U.S./Mexico border.
Monday’s ceremony, which prominently featured Dever family members, pointed toward the construction of a structure that will serve to solidify the legacy the late sheriff accomplished during his four terms in office and after more than 30 years in law enforcement.
It will also provide a much-needed facility that will help deputies and others in law enforcement learn and train with firearms for a profession that is dangerous and challenging because of its proximity to the border.
Newly elected Sheriff Mark Dannels has already distinguished himself as a leader in his handling of the Dever legacy, promoting the same law enforcement values espoused by the former sheriff and encouraging others to follow that example.
Buffett’s generosity comes at a time when state funding to local governments is especially tight, and local revenues are down and slow to recover after a difficult economic period.
As a community, we appreciate his awareness of the importance this project represents, and his willingness to help law enforcement in Cochise County firmly establish the Dever legacy.
