The Gila Herald
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – After more than 34 years of work on achieving a new police department, law enforcement, dignitaries, friends, family, and the general public celebrated the opening of the new Safford Police Department on Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting and open house.
The event began with a flag-raising with bugle accompaniment, and a moment of silence led by Safford Police Chief Glen Orr, who said it was for the Reed family – who lost 4-year-old Maci Reed to flash flooding in Pima recently – and “all victims” the officers work for each day.
Orr recalled walking into the former Sheriff’s Office at the start of his career in the same location more than 30 years ago.
Jared Rios will tell you every skateboarder dreams of becoming a professional skateboarder or opening a skate shop. He recently did the latter.
Rios held the grand opening of his Cheecharrone SK8 Shop, 201 E U.S. Highway 70, last week. When he was brainstorming for the name of the shop Rios said he liked the sound of the word because it made him laugh, and he wanted a unique name for his shop.
Rios, who grew up in Graham County, started skateboarding at the age of five. He loves every aspect of the sport.
âItâs a lifestyle, itâs almost like a cult following. Itâs like a community,â he said. âYou fall in love with this. Skating teaches you to deal with your fears and conquer them.â