Desert Sheriffs

Arizona was a territory of the United States between 1863 and 1912. This book chronicles the exploits of the Pima County Sheriff's Office which provided law enforcement in the Tucson area in southern Arizona during this time. Read about real law enforcement in the wild west, as opposed to what is shown in movies. The work is illustrated with photographs of the Sheriffs and incidents listed in the manuscript.

Covering the years 1859 to 1912, the book tells the exploits of the Pima County Sheriff's Office. Arizona became a territory of the United States in 1863 and a full fledge state in 1912. During this time period, the Arizona Territory went from the wild west to a civilized society. The Pima County Sheriff's Office played a key roll in this transition. The story laid out illustrates the difference between the law officer in western films and the reality of the law enforcement in the real west. The book tells the story of the history, structure and the responsibilities of the office. It also tells of the crimes which were endemic to old west society. There were seven lawful hangings in territorial Pima County. They are listed here as is the story behind each one. Read about stage coach and train robberies which plagued Pima County during the territorial period and the deadly fate of one of the robbers. The manuscript is illustrated with photographs showing incidents described in the text.

The author lives in Tucson, Arizona with his wife of 46 years, Karen. He attended the University of Arizona. He then enlisted in the Army as a Vietnamese linguist and served in Vietnam in 1971. Upon discharge, he went to work for the Pima County Sheriff's Department as a deputy sheriff for 25 years. Upon retirement, he went to work for Old Tucson Studios as a pyrotechnician and currently is the studio historian.