Florence, Ariz.- On November 7th and 8th, 2009 art lovers are invited to attend the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and Sabine’s Fine Art Festivals Fundraising Fine Art Show at the Bashas Market Place on Superstition Mountain Dr., a unique event which showcases fairly priced, original fine art created by local artists. This event will benefit the Pinal County Citizens on Patrol Program.

Citizens On Patrol is an organized group of volunteers within the community who, after being screened, background checked, and trained by their local law enforcement agency, patrol their communities acting as "Eyes and Ears" for law enforcement. Citizen Patrol groups have been in use within the United States for well over 20 years. According to the National Association of Citizens on Patrol, the number of individual Citizen Patrol Volunteers within the United States is estimated to be over 75,000 with groups in every state of the nation.

By patrolling their communities, on a regular basis, usually in 2-4 hour shifts, Citizen Patrol Volunteers who are familiar with their community are better able to recognize "suspicious" activity and notify the Sheriff’s Office. COP’s do not take enforcement action, they only observe and report. COP Volunteers have established bonds with Sheriff’s Office Staff and have the ability to communicate directly with them by radio.

Sheriff Paul Babeu stated, “Our COP, Managed by Pat Prince of Gold Canyon, has done a fantastic job and the service they provide is invaluable. They have truly become an integral part of our organization. I am pleased Sabine has chosen to host these events and assist in our efforts to raise funds for these valuable programs.”

The two-day fine art show, will feature the work of fine artists from across our state including the work of Fleetwood Johnson and Cindi Mapes, to name only a couple.

Sabine, the event promoter, decided to host shows in an effort to highlight and help raise much needed funds for volunteer and other programs within the Sheriff’s Office not funded through the budget.

Last year Sabine hosted a Fine Art Show Fundraiser in Saddlebrooke, helping the PCSO Bike Unit raise over $1500.00. Lieutenant Tamatha Villar

Sabine believes the volunteers who so graciously give of their time to help the deputies and their communities are invaluable assets to the Sheriff’s Office and to the County. Sabine, an artist herself, lives in Pinal County and said, “I have always been so impressed with the professionalism of those working and volunteering with the Sheriff’s Office. I believe we all, as members of the community, have a responsibility to show our appreciation for the good work the Sheriff’s Office does and give back in what ever small way we can.”

For more information about the Fine Art Show, Pinal County COP Program or other volunteer programs within the Sheriff’s Office please contact Lt. Tamatha Villar @ tamatha.villar@pinalcountyaz.gov