SIGNING MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT

February 6, 2004

 Apache County Sheriff’s Office and the Navajo Nation signed the long awaited Mutual Aid Agreement. “Both the Sheriff’s Office and the Navajo Nation have worked many hours on this Agreement. We started working toward this Agreement in 2000, my second year of Office” stated Sheriff Brian R. Hounshell.

 Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety Chief Dorothy Fulton and Cmdr. Travis Simshauser began the long process by writing the first working draft of the Mutual Aid Agreement.  The Agreement went through many revisions to ensure that it would meet the legal requirements for the Navajo Nation and the Sheriff’s Office. Once Chief Fulton and Sheriff Hounshell completed this step the Agreement was presented to the Intergovernmental Relations Committee for approval and then passed forward to the Public Safety Committee. Sheriff Hounshell expressed his appreciation to both committees for their approval and support of Law Enforcement. He also commended Hope McDonald-Lonetree, Public Safety Committee Chairperson and the Sheriff’s Office Community Resource Liaison, Hugh Lynch for working side by side to ensure that this Agreement was passed through all the proper channels.

 Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley, Jr., has always been a strong advocate of Law Enforcement. President Shirley began this process with Sheriff Hounshell as a County Supervisor and followed through as President by continuing to make Law Enforcement a priority. On August 26, 2003 Sheriff Hounshell requested Board approval from the Apache County Board of Supervisors.  It was a unanimous decision to support entering into the Mutual Aid Agreement.

 “Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety Director Samson Cowboy and Chief Dorothy Fulton’s assistance and expertise were essential to ensure that this Mutual Aid Agreement was finalized. Everyone involved in this Agreement were diligent, as we continued to work toward the same goal of improving Law Enforcement services in Apache County” said Sheriff Hounshell.

 The purpose of this Agreement is to provide for the orderly, efficient and effective enforcement of the criminal and traffic laws of the Navajo Nation and the State of Arizona within Apache County. Each Deputy and Officer who is issued the mutual aid law enforcement certification shall have all powers necessary to enforce these laws. The Sheriff’s Office will work hand in hand with the Navajo Nation during major events. While the Sheriff’s Deputies stationed in the Northern Apache County are already working in excess of 40 hours a week, they will be there to support the Navajo Nation when needed. Once the necessary training is completed, both Agencies will meet on a regular basis to work out any details that might arise.

 “When I became Sheriff, there were seven (7) Deputies stationed in the Northern District with a payroll budget of approximately $257,000. Now there are Seventeen (17) positions including Deputies and support staff, with a payroll budget of almost $850,000. That is an increase of $593,000 in five years. This does not include vehicles, support equipment or overtime. I have increased staffing throughout the county. We have added Deputies in Springerville, St. Johns as well as an Evidence Technician and support staff.  A Northern District Special Response Team has also been formed. I am very proud of them. They have responded to assist the Navajo Nation Police Department with several high risks calls. Their training and commitment is invaluable to the Sheriff’s Office” Hounshell stated.

 Dennehotso, Lukachukai, Steamboat, Sawmill and surrounding communities have expressed interest in placing a Deputy in their community. “I hope in the near future the budget will allow for additional Deputy positions that are needed throughout the county.  I am committed to continue working toward my goal. I want all the communities to have adequate Law Enforcement coverage to protect the citizens of Apache County” Sheriff Hounshell said.

 “I want to personally thank the Chapter Officials, Community Leaders, School Officials and most of all the citizens for their overwhelming support of this Agreement. Many Chapters passed resolutions, petitions were signed and letters were written to show their support. I am pleased that this Agreement is signed and we can now begin to provide more services to the citizens of Apache County” stated Sheriff Hounshell.

 “We must keep in mind that the Navajo Department of Public Safety is the primary agency. All calls will be routed through their office. We will be partners and rely on each other to combat crime not only on Navajo Land, but throughout Apache County. This Agreement has been my priority since I was stationed in Salina Springs as a rookie Deputy in 1986. There was never enough help to cover all the communities and the needs of the citizens. We must continue to place Law Enforcement as our number one priority” said Sheriff Hounshell.

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