Annual Symposium & Merit Awards Banquet
Invitation Only
December 8, 2026 · Mesa, AZ
The Arizona Sheriffs’ Association Annual Symposium & Merit Awards Banquet brings together Arizona’s elected sheriffs, chief deputies, detention leaders, command staff, and public safety partners for a full day of executive-level education, collaboration, and recognition. Attendance at the Annual Symposium & Merit Awards Banquet is by invitation only. Invited guests include Arizona sheriffs and their leadership teams, public safety partners, sponsors, and other invited stakeholders. This signature event combines thought leadership, relationship-building, and recognition of Arizona’s finest law enforcement professionals in an environment designed to foster meaningful engagement and strategic partnerships.
The Annual Symposium stands apart as the state’s most distinguished gathering dedicated exclusively to Arizona’s law enforcement community. Its carefully curated agenda delivers substantive executive education and policy dialogue unavailable anywhere else in the state.
The Merit Awards Banquet, held the evening of the Symposium, further elevates the experience — honoring Arizona’s most exceptional law enforcement professionals through formal recognition ceremonies celebrating courage, service, innovation, and leadership. This annual banquet is a moment of genuine community recognition and pride for Arizona’s public safety family, and the organizations that stand beside them in that mission.
Reserve your seat
If you've received an invitation, enter your access code to RSVP for the Symposium and Merit Awards Banquet.
Enter Invitation Code & RSVP→Honoring Arizona's finest
Submit a nomination
Nominations are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026.
Merit Award Recipients
- Deputy Sheriff of the YearDeputy Chandler Bell · Yuma County
- Supervisor of the Year — AZPOSTSgt. Chris McCracken · Navajo County
- Supervisor of the Year — DetentionLt. Rebecca Travis · Maricopa County
- Detention Officer of the YearOfficer Reyna Garcia · Pinal County
- Innovation of the Year — AZPOSTDetective Michael Angelo · Mohave County
- Innovation of the Year — Jail OperationsSgt. Crystela Silva · Yuma County
- Healthcare Professional of the YearNurse Rosa Escobar · La Paz County
- Dispatch/Communications Member of the YearDispatcher Kendal Webster · Navajo County
- Professional Staff of the YearAccount Specialist Cheryl Chee · Navajo County
- Search and Rescue AchievementCoconino SAR Unit · Coconino County
- Medal of ValorSgt. Cody Kruse · Yavapai County
- Medal of MeritDeputy Austin Huddleston · Navajo County
- Purple HeartDetective Jordan Smith · Navajo County
Sponsorship levels
Presenting Sponsor
Premier visibility throughout the day and evening, welcome remarks at the banquet, and a reserved VIP table of 10.
VIP Reception Sponsor
Sole sponsor of the pre-banquet VIP reception — the premier networking moment.
Executive Briefing Sponsor
A 20-minute executive briefing to sheriffs and command staff.
Merit Awards Sponsor
Premier banquet sponsor with a reserved table of 4 and podium recognition.
Luncheon Sponsor
Own the room at the symposium luncheon.
Leadership Sponsor
Reserved half-table of 4 plus two symposium registrations.
Breakfast Sponsor
Greet every attendee as the day opens.
Supporting Sponsor
Banquet tickets, program recognition, and sponsor signage.
Exhibitor
Standard exhibit space plus two symposium registrations.
Commit by October 15, 2026 · payment (ACH or check preferred) due by November 15, 2026. The Association is a 501(c)(4) — sponsorships may not be tax-deductible.
Sponsorship opportunities
Stand with Arizona’s Sheriffs
Your support of the Arizona Sheriffs' Foundation helps strengthen public safety and invest in communities across our state — supporting search and rescue, youth and community programs, public safety initiatives, and law enforcement personnel and families in times of significant need.
Together, we can give Arizona’s sheriffs additional resources to serve, protect, and strengthen the communities they call home.