“Arizona’s hearts are heavy today on the news of the death of Cochise County Sheriff Larry Dever. Cochise County could not have had a better fighter for its residents. He always had the best interests in mind for the community.

To many people, Larry Dever WAS Cochise County. He was born in St. David, grew up there and joined the Sheriff’s Department back in 1976. In 1996, voters made him their Sheriff.

Larry was always ready to come up to Phoenix to let state leaders know what was happening in his county. No one better articulated concerns about illegal immigration and drug smuggling and how they impacted residents. My fellow ranchers who live near the border knew they could count on Sheriff Dever. His voice will be missed.

My condolences go out today to his wife Nancy, their six boys and 11 grandchildren “