On January 8th, 2017 the 53rd Legislature, 2nd Regular Session officially convened to start another year of lawmaking. In honor of the occasion, Senator Griffin hosted sheriffs from all 15 Arizona counties and introduced them as her guests in the Senate gallery.
Apache County Sheriff Joe Dedman Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels
Coconino County Sheriff Jim Driscoll Gila County Sheriff Adam Shepherd
Graham County Sheriff Preston "PJ" Allred Greenlee County Sheriff Tim Sumner
La Paz County Sheriff Bill Risen Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone
Mohave County Sheriff Doug Schuster Navajo County Sheriff Kelly "KC" Clark
Pima County Sheriff Mark Napier Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb
Santa Cruz County Sheriff Tony Estrada Yavapai County Sheriff Scott Mascher
Yuma County Sheriff Leon Wilmot
Also in attendance for the Opening Day Ceremonies were Kent Cooksley (Sierra Vista), and Senator Griffin’s three daughters, Pamela Lightsey (Augusta, Georgia), Vicki Berglund (Mesa) and Kimberly Griffin (Flagstaff).
Governor Doug Ducey's State of the State speech noted the priority of public safety for the entire state and was themed "Spirit of Service". He addressed the continued effort in dealing with the opioid epidemic as well as cracking down on impaired, wrong-way drivers. We rely on our Arizona sheriffs' critical role in protecting our citizens to maintain the public trust through open, honest and ethical administration and exercising integrity and professionalism in the use of their constitutional powers.
"I want to thank all of our sheriffs, law enforcement officers and first responders who help protect and care for all Arizonans," said Senator Griffin. "I look forward to a safe, swift and successful legislative session."