Apache Co.'s first Diné sheriff inaugurated

C onsidering they were swearing in the first Diné sheriff in Apache County's 130-year history, who could blame the Navajos of Apache County for gloating just a little?

"Make room, because Navajos are coming to town!" roared Joseph Dedman Jr.'s campaign manager, Bob Sandoval, after Dedman took the oath of office at a modest ceremony in the Chinle Community Center. "We will rule every county office! We're going to attack Navajo County now."

Dedman himself took a more conciliatory tack, announcing his administration would be one of consensus and collaboration.

"The first thing I'm going to do is to sit down with my commanders and figure out what the department's goals, our mission and our values are," he said between hugs from smiling well-wishers. "I want the department to have a strategic plan that is a product of all of us."

That was music to the ears of some sheriff's department employees who attended the inauguration. The department is ready for some healing after three years of turmoil as former Sheriff Brian Hounshell fought felony fraud charges before resigning, and then his appointed replacement, Chief Deputy David Murray, ran for sheriff after promising he wouldn't.

"I like him," said James Womack, commander of Apache County's Drug Task Force, of his new boss. "He's a very nice man. He's all about professionalism and ethics. He's trying to bring the department together as a family."

New County Attorney Michael Whiting, who was also sworn in at the ceremony, said he is very much looking forward to working with Dedman.

"I think there's a need for healing in both the sheriff's office and the county attorney's office," he said, referring to former County Attorney Criss Candelaria's involvement in Hounshell's downfall. Candelaria issued several legal opinions contrary to Hounshell's perspective, and hired the special prosecutor who eventually forced him from office. "This is a fresh start for everybody."

Dedman, 46, of Nazlini, Ariz., is Kinaazt'í'i (Houses in a Row Clan), born for Tsi'najinii (Black Streak Wood Clan).

He said he chose to be sworn in at Chinle rather than the county seat of St. Johns, Ariz., "as a show of respect to everyone who supported me."

It may have been the first county inauguration ceremony to feature Navajo prayers and a Native flute player.

As for Sandoval's trash-talkin' speech, Dedman's former campaign manager was unapologetic. "It's our turn," he shrugged.