Prescott AZ (February 7, 2020) – UPDATE – As the planning process for the fallen officer memorial moves forward, Sheriff Mascher and Yavapai County Supervisor Rowle Simmons are proud to announce that renowned bronzesmith and Prescott resident, Bill Nebeker, has agreed to create a bronze sculpture for the Yavapai County Law Enforcement Memorial. Sheriff Mascher is excited to have such a well-known and gifted artist involved in the project. Bill said, “I am honored to be a part of this,” and discussed looking forward to working with the memorial committee on the design. You can see some of Bill’s incredible sculptures and read his biography on his website: http://billnebeker.com/.
Other than routine maintenance, no taxpayer dollars will be used for the memorial design and sculpture construction. As a result, the Memorial Committee will oversee the creation of the Yavapai County Fallen Officer Memorial Fund to accept donations from community members. The Committee will begin meeting soon to discuss the project and when available, details on where to donate will be published along with the proposed memorial design and cost.
Sheriff Mascher is truly grateful for the Board of Supervisor’s support and the participation of the highly respected bronzesmith, Mr. Nebecker. The Sheriff again noted this tribute to honor our fallen law enforcement officers in Yavapai County is long overdue and is now becoming a reality.
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Prescott AZ (January 20, 2020) – On January 15, 2020, the Board of Supervisors approved the proposal by Sheriff Mascher on behalf of Ken Van Keuren, Yavapai County Facilities Director, for the placement of a Peace Officer Memorial to honor fallen Yavapai County police officers and deputy sheriffs. The Board authorized the creation of a committee to begin the process of design and cost under their oversight. Other than for maintenance, no tax payer dollars will be used to construct the memorial. Sheriff Mascher and Supervisor Rowle Simmons, along with representatives from the Facilities Department and select community members, will comprise committee membership. Part of the committee’s duties will be to oversee outside funding to build the memorial.
The memorial will be placed on the courthouse plaza in an area near the gazebo, easily accessible from both Montezuma and Gurley streets.
Sheriff Mascher explained to the Board during the presentation that the sacrifice of those serving in a law enforcement capacity within Yavapai County deserves to be acknowledged in a public setting. A memorial on the courthouse plaza gives residents and visitors alike a reminder of those who paid the ultimate price. The Sheriff noted that this memorial would be a great fit with other memorials on the plaza honoring those who lost their lives in military service. The Sheriff’s Office has been serving in Yavapai County since 1864 and Sheriff Mascher told the Board this honor is long overdue.
As part of the fundraising campaign, it is expected the committee will offer the public a chance to contribute funds via an online donation. Watch for future media announcements or find updates on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for progress on the memorial. Facebook page link is: https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff/.