The Green Valley Elks Club honored Deputy K. Schulz #1064 with their “Deputy of the Year” award during a ceremony held on February 2, 2006. Deputy Schulz was hired by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department in September 1995 and is currently assigned to the Green Valley Rural Patrol. His initiative and interest in patrolling the town of Arivaca are reaping great results.

Arivaca is a rural community which, in the past, has been a challenge to patrol effectively. The missing element to success has been gaining the support and trust of the citizens. Deputy Schulz has been successful in receiving this support and has developed a good rapport with the local business owners and civic leaders. He attends town meetings and demonstrates sincere interest in resolving community problems. He is greatly respected by the public at large; he is consistently firm and fair.

A petition was circulated, a short time ago, stating that Deputy Schulz should be the “Sheriff” of Arivaca. This petition was signed by many citizens, leaders, and even people who may possibly be involved in criminal activity. Everybody knows “Deputy Kirt” and they don’t want him coming after them. This petition is a testimony to the impact that Deputy Schulz has had on the community.

Deputy Schulz has assisted Pima County Sheriff’s Department investigative units in their efforts to gather information, find addresses, and locate suspects. He regularly works with the U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs, Arizona D.PS., and the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department in joint operations and investigations. There have been instances in which fugitives and wanted subjets have turned themselves into Deputy Schulz and, by doing so, prevented wasted time and resources that would have been spent in searching for them. A subject who surrendered himself for arrest to Deputy Schulz, wrote a letter saying it was because he knew he would receive fair treatment. This speaks loudly of the personal impact that Deputy Schulz’ presence has had in Arivaca. This is an excellent example of community policing positively impacting both crime prevention and crime suppression.

Deputy Schulz’ courtesy, professionalism, and dedication have impacted an entire community and changed lives for the better. His efforts are appreciated and people feel safer when he is patrolling their town. Deputy Schulz is worthy of the recognition bestowed upon him.

Congratulations!