Home » General » Former Arizona Sheriff Dies

Former Arizona Sheriff Dies

ycso sheriffSedona AZ (March 2, 2015) – Former Yavapai County Sheriff H. “Curly” Moore, 86, passed away this morning, March 2, 2015, in Henderson, Nevada. Born in Kansas, Moore grew up in the Phoenix following a move from Colorado.

Moore joined the Highway Patrol (Arizona Department of Public Safety) in 1951 and held various assignments in the areas of Patrol, Liaison to the Arizona State Senate, and Executive Aide to former Governor Paul Fannin. Moore served 22 1/2 years in the Patrol, briefly interrupted by a three year move to Alaska to serve as a Fairbanks police officer.

After retirement, Moore relocated to Yavapai County where several friends convinced him to run for County Sheriff. He was elected in November 1976 and sworn in as Sheriff on January 1, 1977.

During his tenure as Yavapai County Sheriff, Moore was able to improve community relations, establish a cadet (Police Explorer) program for teens, develop and establish the first agency policy manual in August of 1977, and expand the Sheriff’s Office force from 77 in 1977 to 90 in 1988. Overcoming resistance from the county Board of Supervisors who saw no justification for the additional expenditures, Moore modernized department communication equipment and replaced much older patrol cars with new vehicles that included such “luxuries” as power steering and refrigeration (air conditioning).

Moore was instrumental in the design and groundbreaking of the current Criminal Justice Building and Detention Center on Gurley Street in Prescott, Arizona. Opened in late 1980, the new building housed the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters, County Jail, Board of Supervisors, County Treasurer and the Adult Probation Department. Prior to 1980, the Sheriff’s Office, Jail, Supervisors, Courts and County departments were in the County Court House.

As Yavapai County Sheriff, Moore saw the county population increase from approximately 60,000 to over 100,000. Under his administration, Yavapai County deputy sheriff’s and detention officers were provided a comprehensive pension plan in the state level Public Safety Retirement System. The prior county retirement system had little to no benefits.

Several historically significant cases investigated during his administration included the 1977 Yarnell bank robbery and hostage incident, the 1977 Poland brothers armored truck robbery and homicides, the Cathy Sposito homicide in 1987, and the Pamela Pitts homicide in 1988.

Moore was voted Sheriff of the Year by the Arizona County Attorney’s and Sheriff’s Association during his time as Yavapai County Sheriff.

In November 1988, Moore lost the general election to former Prescott Police Department Lieutenant G.C. “Buck” Buchanan. Following his retirement as Sheriff on December 31, 1988, Moore was appointed by Governor Rose Mofford to the Arizona Liquor Board as a Judge – Hearing Officer and served in that capacity until 1990 when he retired from public service after almost 40 years.

Moore was preceded in death by his wife Mary Jane, a daughter, and his parents. He is survived by a sister, his children, and several generations of grandchildren.

Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260.

For the best Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!

For the best Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!

3 Comments

  1. Em Hearn says:

    Sad news and best to his remaining family.

Leave a Reply

Copyright © 2008-2017 · Sedona Eye · All Rights Reserved · Posts · Comments · Facebook · Twitter ·