Pueblo Politics: Pinal's Babeu named “Sheriff of the Year”

It’s the first time an Arizona sheriff has received the award, according to a news release from Babeu’s office.

The group cites Babeu’s use of innovative equipment and technology acquired from a $7 million in grant, his track record of cutting response times in half since he was elected in 2008, and his citizen patrol and alert programs.

In a news release, the National Sheriffs’ Association also notes Babeu has earned local and national attention for his anti-illegal immigration stance, and that he’s become a spokesman on the issue.

“His stance and actions against those responsible for drug and human trafficking has earned him the distinction as one of ‘America’s Toughest Sheriffs on Illegal Immigration,’ ” the news association news release said.

The National Sheriffs’ Association represents more than 3,000 elected sheriffs in the country, and has more than 20,000 members. Its goal is to raise professionalism in the industry.

Babeu will receive the award at the group’s national conference in June.