10/28/2026
The week of October 19th was a special one at Chiricahua as we recognized and observed Domestic Violence Awareness Month by hosting two Candlelight Vigils.
On Tuesday, 10/20, together with partners, the 3rd Annual Sierra Vista Domestic Violence Vigil was held at the Sierra Vista Police Department . We were honored to have Cochise County Sheriff's Office - Mark J. Dannels Sheriff , County Attorney Lori Zucco Cochise County Attorney's Office , and Mayor Pro Tem Carolyn Flowers Carolyn Flowers for Mayor join the many organizational partners and participants – including the Cochise County Education Service Agency who joined us for the first time! Keynote speaker Melissa Johnson brought tears to our eyes and the rendition of Amazing Grace by Rev Cleveland Johnson added even more emotion to a heartfelt reading of those who lost their lives to Domestic Violence this past year.
On Thursday, 10/22Chiricahua joined law enforcement partners, elected officials and community partners as we came together for the 31st straight year to recognize domestic violence victims and support survivors. This year’s vigil was held indoors due to a tornado watch, but the more than 80 participants experienced an unforgettable rendition of Amazing Grace by musical artist Roberto Corral, and special remarks by Vanessa Ortega de la Parra, Consul in Charge of the Consulate of Mexico in Douglas. At this event, we recognized and honored former Douglas Police Chief Kraig Fullen for his many years of leadership and were graced by Mark Adams from Frontera de Cristo who led us all in a special moment of reflection as we circled and held a safe space for each other in prayer.
Chiricahua is proud to be a leader in this movement to end domestic violence and special thanks our Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Advocate RosaMaria Mendoza Chapa for all her work on these events and in service to victims and survivors throughout the years.
