Posted on 09/19/2012 5:25:06 AM PDT by SandRat
It was learned late Tuesday night that Cochise County Sheriff Larry Dever has died in a single vehicle rollover accident in Coconino County.
Details of what occurred are sketchy as of this hour, but the news was confirmed by Cochise County Supervisor Pat Call at about 11 p.m.
Dever was running unopposed in this fall’s election for what would have been his fifth term as sheriff. It is unclear at this time what his sudden passing will mean in the electoral process.
The sheriff was more than a local law enforcement official as he took the lead on the national issue of illegal immigration and its impacts not only on Cochise County, but the state of Arizona and nation. Dever testified before Congress on several ccasions regarding these issues and as stated on the county’s website he had assumed a leadership role in attempting to bring resolution to related local concerns.
He was on the National Sheriff Association’s Board of Directors and was elected because of his strong leadership role in Border Law Enforcement Issues.
The sheriff is a native of Cochise County. He was born and raised in St. David.
He and his wife, Nancy, are the parents of six sons. The oldest serves as a major in the U.S. Army, three work for Arizona law enforcement agencies, one as a firefighter, and one attends college. The sheriff died just four days after his 86-year-old mother, Annie Mae Dever, died of cancer.
According to the county’s website, Dever was a 34-year Cochise County law enforcement veteran. He was elected to his first term as sheriff in 1996, following a 20-year career working in the trenches of Cochise County law enforcement. Entering the profession as a deputy in 1976, Dever rose through the ranks from sergeant to major before successfully seeking political office and being re-elected to a fourth term in 2008.
RIP.
Statement by Governor Jan Brewer
Grieving the Loss of Sheriff Dever
“Like all Arizonans, I was shocked to learn this morning that Cochise County Sheriff Larry Dever had been killed hours earlier in a one-car accident while traveling in northern Arizona. True to form for this husband, father of six and grandfather, he was reportedly en route to meet several members of his family for a Fall hunting and camping trip in the Arizona high country.
“I had known Sheriff Dever for well over a decade, stretching back to my days with the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. I’ll remember him in his cowboy hat - soft-spoken and unfailingly polite, but firm in his beliefs and steady in his service to the law. In the truest sense, Sheriff Dever was a Western lawman and country gentleman.
“Arizona has lost a leader of more than three decades in our law enforcement community. My thoughts and prayers today - and those of Arizonans, I am sure - are with his wife, Nancy, their children, friends and colleagues as they cope with this terrible loss.
“In honor of Sheriff Larry Albert Dever and his 34 years of dedicated service to the State of Arizona, and for the peace of mind he has provided the citizens of Cochise County, I have ordered that flags at all State buildings be lowered to half-staff until sunset today, September 19, 2012, and again on his day of interment, for which services are pending.”
Jinxy, I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend.
I-40 is a very dangerous highway. I was involved in a single car roll-over, not far from where Larry was killed. There were two fatalities involved, and I am still recovering, 8 months later. The two who lost their lives were so dear to me, and I will never get over the loss.
May the Angels bring comfort to those who loved him.
Hugs to yorkie and HiJinx.
Sadness in my heart for another lost warrior.
((((((((((HUGS, BQ)))))))))))
Yorkie, dear, I did not consider your accident when I pinged the list and I am so sorry to have brought those memories back to you.
Forgive me?
There is nothing to forgive you for, Jinxy. I always read your pings, and did not take this one personally. (((HUGS)))
Larry’s accident was west of Williams, I believe. Mine was east of Seligman. Not too far apart.
The speed limit is 75 mph, and the highway goes straight, for miles. Then, it curves (with no warning). The Highway Patrol contacted me in the hospital, and said the driver over-corrected, when she hit gravel. That is when the roll-over began.
And, the air-bags did not deploy....
I still don’t know why my life was spared. I suppose I’ll find out ‘one’ day.
Yes, we will find out. Right there, you’ve posted a warning for anyone else who drives that stretch and may have made a difference.
My attitude towards things of that nature - why me? - is that God’s hand is in all things and His plan is beyond what we can comprehend.
And y’know...the same goes for this tragic end to an awesome man’s life. Those he has touched will carry his legacy forward. He has raised 6 very good young adults who would make any parent proud.
This is very sad news. I had the pleasure of meeting and working with him for a couple days. Great American, LEO, and friend. RIP Larry and prayers out to the family.
Sniffles.
Rumor is he was driving too fast on a dirt road and lost control; that seems odd since he drove dirt roads all the time and knew how tricky they can be- but accidents do happen.
Rest In Peace Sheriff Dever
Prayers to his family and friends
Was he on I-40? I thought he was on a side road...when something like this happens the stories are muddled, saw one article yesterday that didn’t say what road. I heard through grapevine it was a side dirt road. I imagine by today the media has the location figured out.
If someone wanted to take him out it would seem it would have been easier to do in Cochise County with all the wide open spaces and more time to track his whereabouts. Lot’s of places to ambush people in Cochise County- set up wrecks or whatever. That more than anything makes me think it was an accident.
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