When local communities ask for civic assistance, the Sheriffs Auxiliary Volunteers of Navajo County are assigned the call. The Sheriff’s Auxiliary (SAV’s,) a 501(c)(3) organization is the municipal boots on the ground outreach for the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office. They are the organization that does more than just vacation house watches, or provide presentations to school students on crime prevention. The organization, in its 30-year history, now includes at least half a dozen more programs that support the community free of charge. The most recent program is the Jr. SAV Program for youth ages 13 to 18. This program teaches and trains young individuals about being a community leader as well as law enforcement under the watchful eye of seasoned SAV Officers. The first of two academies during 2021 hosted seven new Jr. Sheriff’s Auxiliary officers. On May 21 in Heber/Overgaard, the Sheriff’s Auxiliary celebrated their 30th graduating class of the Navajo County Sheriff’s Volunteer Academy. The class of 20 on the roster was one of the largest in the SAV history. The group included adults as well as Jr. SAV’s (ages 13 to 18) and two St. Johns Police Department volunteers. The celebration event hosted nearly 80 people, family, friends, media and dignitaries. Graduates included Jeremy Kitabjian, Scott Smith, Cayce Garcia, Lawrence Stone, Joshua Bechtol, Nathan King, Cienna Freman, Aidan Williamson, Angelina Nelson, Alison Hearn, Karter Dahkoshay, Marybell Ruelas, Sophie Hamblin, Lori Nelson, Ernestina Payne, Renee Norman, Ward Bunyan and Tim Newell. Candidates join for one reason or another, but as one recruit stated, “I joined the SAV’s because I want to help ease the burden of the deputies in the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office serves and patrols an area of about 10,000 square miles. I also want to give back to the community that gave so much to me. We SAV’s, support our Sheriff because he supports us. He empowers us to support the community the way the SAV’s are committed to do just like he does!” What was impressive this round was the Jr. SAV youth program, that had its second graduating class within a year. This class convened seven youth that trained and learned alongside the adult SAV’s. The last class only had two. They learned about various law enforcement tasks such as crime prevention, traffic control, effective community communication and more. The adults and the youth completed the one-month long academy with a certification in CPR/AED and First Aid. A total of 27 classes and seven full days concluded the program on May 16. Back the Blue of Arizona sponsored the last day luncheon for all the students as a way of supporting law enforcement. Youth cadets got a bit more instruction than the adults. Each youth cadet also trained in formations as well as basic fundamental leadership skills. Skills that can take them through life. As one of the youth cadets stated, “What I learn here can someday help me when I start my career in government. Maybe I’ll be governor one day!” Now that the academy has been accomplished and all the recruits are now full-fledged members, the new official SAV Officers will be out in the community providing services for residents/citizens and business owners in Navajo County. They drive distinctive gray Navajo County Sheriff’s Office vehicles that say Sheriff’s Auxiliary on the side. They drive in every and all corners of the county far and wide. In some cases, they go as far as Joseph City, Winslow, Whiteriver and the Apache County and Utah state line. The officers’ goal is to get to know citizens in the area, and create a presence in the districts as part of crime deterrence amongst a plethora of other services the organization provides. Amid the several new programs offered through the SAV’s, the organization launched a sponsorship co-op where businesses and other organizations can be in partnership with the Sheriff’s Auxiliary, and maintain exposure everywhere the Sheriffs Auxiliary operates. This gives local businesses and other 501(c)(3) associations constant exposure. The SAV’s are on duty 24/7. That said, those that support the Sheriff’s Auxiliary also get progressive 24/7 publicity. The program launched at the beginning of this year and has proved to be very successful. This quarter, the Auxiliary started offering security services for events and businesses. The SAV’s post officers in the area during events to maintain a presence during the festivities. This program is provided to any organization, business, chamber or church in Navajo County free of charge. The Sheriff’s Auxiliary has been very appreciative of the recipients of the security services because, 100% of the requests for services have generated gracious donations for the SAV’s. All donations are used to perpetuate other services for students, citizens and residents as well as purchasing safety equipment that help the SAV Officers support the White Mountain community. Funding also goes to the Jr. SAV program for training. The Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteers of Navajo County, even though under the direction of the Sheriff’s Office operates solely on public and private donations. Graduates from this recent Spring 2021 class are currently out in the area giving back to the citizens of the community. They are the boots on the ground, the people that touch lives and the volunteers that help the Sheriff’s Office give the residents of this community, peace of mind. If you would like to partake in any services that the Sheriff’s Auxiliary offers or would like to become Sheriffs Auxiliary Officer or Jr. SAV, go to www.SAVofNC.org and apply. The SAV’s look forward to providing exceptional service with respect and dignity to the citizens of Navajo County.
