SIERRA VISTA – Despite a crowded field of write-in opponents and several thousand early and provisional ballots that have yet to be counted, it appears that former deputy commander Mark Dannels will secure the votes needed to be elected the next sheriff of Cochise County, The Sierra Vista Herald reports.
His first priority, he said, “is to unify our department and embrace our employees, revisit our mission and get back to doing what we do best, which is serving Cochise County.”
The apparent results mark the end of a quickly assembled election slate held under the shadow of the unexpected death of long-time Cochise County Sheriff Larry Dever, whose unopposed reelection to a fifth term was all but assured until his fatal single-vehicle accident near Flagstaff on Sept. 18.
“Congratulations to Sheriff –elect Dannels, who will carry on with the good works Sheriff Dever left as a legacy. We look forward to working for the sheriff to keep Cochise County and our nation safe, said RLG Founder, President Jordan Rose.
Just days after Dever’s death, in an effort to ensure a Republican’s name replaced Dever’s on the ballot, local GOP precinct committemen scrambled to hold a special meeting.
It was at that meeting that Dannels secured the majority of votes needed to replace the late sheriff on the General Election ballot. His nearest opponent was Chief Deputy Rod Rothrock, acting sheriff of the county.
Despite having the highest profile of the five write-in candidates and working alongside Dever for years, Rothrock was unable to overcome the disadvantage of not having his name printed on the ballot.
