Sheriff Babeu receives national recognition

1116

Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu was recognized Sunday as the “2011 National Sheriff of the Year” by the National Sheriffs’Association.

The award was presented during the opening general session at the NSA’s Annual Conference in St. Louis, Mo.

The NSA established the Ferris E. Lucas award in 1995 to recognize an outstanding sheriff of the year for contributions made to improve the office of sheriff on the local, state, and national levels, and for involvement in the community above and beyond the responsibilities required. The award is given in memory of Ferris E. Lucas, NSA past president (1944-46) and executive director (1964-82), who completed 50 years of distinguished service and leadership in law enforcement. This year’s award is sponsored by Pursuit Products Inc.

In 2008, Babeu won his first term in a landslide election victory over the incumbent sheriff. Since being elected as the Pinal County sheriff, he has become one of the most progressive Sheriffs in the country.

Babeu has earned both statewide and national attention for his strong stance against illegal immigration. His stance and actions against those responsible for drug and human trafficking has earned him the distinction as one of America’s toughest sheriffs on illegal immigration.

Under Sheriff Babeu’s direction, the PCSO has acquired both innovative equipment and technology through $7,000,000 in grant funding. Citizens of Pinal County used to have to wait up to 15 minutes for a deputy to respond, the response time has now been cut in half.

Babeu is a strong proponent of regional efforts to improve public safety. The approach has allowed all agencies within Pinal County to pool their resources and work together, saving money and improving service. Thanks to Babeu, Pinal County now has a Regional SWAT, Traffic and Narcotics Task Force.

Sheriff Paul Babeu stated, “I'm very humbled by this recognition for the exemplary work of our staff, volunteers and the strong community support by the public,” Babeu said. “We will not let up, but strive for further agency improvements in an effort to best protect our families."

National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) is the largest association of law enforcement professionals in the United States, representing more than 3,000 elected sheriffs across the nation, and a total membership of more than 20,000. NSA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising the level of professionalism among sheriffs, their deputies and others in the field of criminal justice and public safety.