The sky was almost purple, overcast and raining. That didn’t stop volunteers from the county’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) from lighting a grill behind Leaf Auditorium and cooking dozens of hamburgers and hot dogs.

These burgers were served to veterans from all walks of life at the Coconino County Sheriff’s Department during a brand new special event.

For the first time in history, the CCSO hosted a barbecue honoring retired staff and officers, and provided an opportunity for current leaders to meet local law enforcement legends.

“We came up with this idea a few months ago,” said Sheriff Jim Driscoll. “People have reunions all the time, and I said, ‘Why don’t we have a reunion for retirees?’ bottom.”

Former Sheriff Joe Richards was one of the notable guests at the event. He sat near the center of the auditorium, a few yards away from a monitor that flashed images of county legislators and women dating back to the 1890s. Several times his pictures dominated the screen.

“He’s a legend,” Driscoll said of Richards. “This man is a legend who served 32 years and eight terms as sheriff. Eight terms! I learned so much from him.”

Driscoll sat on the podium in front of the room, opposite the dining line. He recounted much of his journey as a sheriff, talked about the growth of programs such as Path to Community, and reflected on the challenges posed by the global pandemic and changes in attitudes toward police. All the while, he noted that Richards’ leadership and the contributions of the men and women who have built CCSO’s legacy laid the foundation for future success.

“I think it was important to recognize all the people who have worked and retired here in the last 50 years, not just police officers,” Driscoll said.

While this is the first CCSO-sponsored retiree reunion event, the sheriff said he hopes it won’t be the last. He told the Daily Sun that many of those who gathered on Friday still have much to teach and deserve recognition.