Navajo sheriff sworn in
Dedman takes helm as Apache County's top law officer

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Karen Francis
Diné Bureau

CHINLE — There is a new sheriff in town. Joseph Dedman Jr., a 27-year veteran in law enforcement, and Michael Whiting, the new county attorney for Apache County, took oaths of office Thursday during a luncheon held in their honor at the Chinle Community Center.

Navajo Nation Council Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan attended the event with several other tribal and state dignitaries, including Arizona state Sen. Albert Hale, D-Window Rock; Chief of Staff Patrick Sandoval, representing the Office of the President/Vice-President; Council Delegates Elmer Milford, Johnny Naize, Young Jeff Tom and Rex Lee Jim.

Morgan congratulated Dedman and Whiting on behalf of the Navajo Nation Council and the Navajo people and said he looks forward to the continued promotion of equal protection to all residents of Apache County. Morgan said former Apache County Sheriff Brian Hounshell was a good friend of the Navajo people.

“Sheriff Hounshell came to our parades and helped us with various projects,” he said. “Navajos tipped the elections and voted him into office. He supported Navajos and non-Natives — he supported all of Apache County. That’s the way it should be and I look forward to our continued efforts in working together with Sheriff Dedman.”

Morgan expressed thanks to Apache County voters for supporting Dedman and Whiting during the 2008 election.

“Apache County cannot afford to roll back its progress of bridging public safety services between the northern and southern parts of Apache County, an effort that former Sheriff Hounshell helped to establish,” he said. “We need to continue our partnerships and work together to provide quality public safety for all people of Apache County.”

Hounshell was removed in 2006 for alleged misuse of power. He was deeply admired by many Navajos for his commitment to providing equal protection throughout Apache County — a county with a 76.9 percent Native population, predominantly Navajo. Morgan is hopeful Dedman will provide the same equal protection for Navajos in Apache County.

Dedman secured his win by campaigning on a strong platform to provide quality public safety service to all residents of Apache County. His plans included cross deputizing his officers with the Navajo Nation, providing community-oriented policing programs, participating in homeland security, stabilizing the sheriff’s office, providing a citizen’s academy and exercising diplomacy.

Dedman said he plans to establish and maintain the unique partnerships with tribal, local organizations, municipalities, county, state and federal agencies.

“I know the needs of the Navajo Nation, I’ve been to all chapters and I have heard your concerns,” he said. “I thank the Navajo Council for providing their support, and let us work together — we are all one people.

“I will take the leadership role and I will do my best to execute the intent of this office,” he added. “I am committed to treating people with respect, with equal protection of the law; I will set the standards and execute my goals for the Office of the Sheriff. Let us all work together for all of Apache County, from Teec Nos Pos to Eager, from St. Johns to Window Rock — it’s a big county and we can work together. My door will always be open.”

Dedman is no stranger to politics and public service. He was elected school board president in 2000 for a school in Nazlini, where he also was chapter vice president in 2004.

Dedman provided executive protection for Navajo Nation Chairman Peter MacDonald, Peterson Zah and interim Chairman Leonard Haskie, Navajo Nation Presidents Albert Hale, Milton Bluehouse Sr., Joe Shirley Jr., and Vice President Frank Dayish Jr. He also supervised protection of various state and federal dignitaries visiting the Navajo Nation.

County Attorney Whiting also is no stranger to the Navajo Nation and received strong support from Navajo during the election. He is a life-long resident of Apache County with family roots spanning five generations. Whiting worked in Window Rock and St. Michaels while employed with the Navajo Nation Supreme Court.

“I have a deep respect for the diversity of Apache County,” he said. “I will serve Apache County with equality and respect for all residents.”