Senator Juan Ciscomani Honors the Cochise County's SAT Volunteers

On First Watch with Sheriff Mark Dannels on 92.3 KWCD, Public Information Officer (PIO) Grady Butler sat down with Commander John Black to celebrate a wonderful milestone for the Cochise County Sheriff’s Assist Team: 25 years of volunteer service.

Dan Minjares – 5,379 volunteer hours \\ Cochise County Sheriff's Office Sheriff's Assist Team / PIO Grady Butler

The annual awards luncheon is always a special occasion, but this year felt even more meaningful. Arizona Congressman Juan Ciscomani joined the celebration and shared heartfelt words of appreciation. He then presented the team with special congressional recognition to honor everything they do for the people of Cochise County.

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Maddi Boleslawski – First Responder Ribbon with 6 Stars recognizing her service with Search and Rescue and as an Emergency Room and ICU Nurse. \\ Cochise County Sheriff's Office Sheriff's Assist Team / PIO Grady Butler

Volunteers Who Keep Cochise County Moving

The Sheriff’s Assist Team, known as SAT, is a group of dedicated, caring volunteers. They’re carefully trained and vetted, and they play an important role in supporting law enforcement in Cochise County. They step in and help the Sheriff’s Office with important, non-law-enforcement duties.

Brad Cottrell – Military Service Ribbon recognizing his service as a retired Command Sergeant Major with the 111th Military Intelligence Brigade. // Cochise County Sheriff's Office Sheriff's Assist Team / PIO Grady Butler

As Commander Black described the team, these volunteers aren’t out there pulling people over or making arrests. Instead, they give deputies more time to handle urgent calls, including traffic control, roadblocks during wildland fires, evacuation support, accident scenes, and neighborhood watch patrols.

Congressman Juan Ciscomani addresses the SAT \\ Cochise County Sheriff's Office Sheriff's Assist Team / PIO Grady Butler

The team also helps with vacation house checks, funeral escorts for veterans and law enforcement, and lends a hand at major community events. In 2025 alone, SAT volunteers donated thousands of hours supporting patrols, public events, and veteran escorts.

Daryl Kling – Military Service and First Responder Ribbon with 1 Star for volunteer service with the Palominas Fire Department. \ CCSO PIO Grady Butler

Honoring Standout Service

The luncheon was also a chance to shine a light on some extraordinary volunteers. Melissa Worthlin was named 2025 Volunteer of the Year in recognition of her decade spent training field officers and her impressive 2,588 hours of service.

Leo Tobolski – 1,312 volunteer hours \\ Cochise County Sheriff's Office Sheriff's Assist Team / PIO Grady Butler

Lynn Sabo received her official SAT badge after completing both training and probation. She brings a wealth of experience from her background as a police officer, paramedic, EMT, and civilian with the U.S. Border Patrol. Darrell Kling was honored for his military service and volunteer work with the Palominas Fire Department.

Congressman Juan Ciscomani (left) presented the SAT team with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition. \\ CCSO PIO Grady Butler

Many other valuable members were celebrated for their remarkable service hours, including Dan Long, with 5,267 hours, and b, with 5,379 hours.

Lyn Sabo – Successfully completed six months of probation and fingerprinting requirements, earning her official SAT Badge.\ CCSO PIO Grady Butler

This special luncheon was a warm reminder that this team quietly keeps Cochise County moving, safe, and connected through volunteerism and dedicated service.