APACHE COUNTY-Cope Reynolds is running as the Independent candidate for the Apache County Sheriff position and will use the U.S. Constitution as his guide. We completed historical research on Reynolds’ past and his ancestors, conducted an extensive interview, evaluated his military service, and gathered community notes all over Apache County. We have the answers.
Ancestors
Cope Reynolds’s family ties go far back into Apache County’s history. His great-grandfather, Frederick Hamblin, established Alpine circa 1879, and his cousin twice removed, Jacob Hamblin Jr., served as the sheriff of Apache County for two terms and assisted in building the Lyman Dam. Grant Hamblin is another relative that served as Apache County Sheriff.
Jacob Hamblin Jr., served as the Apache County Sheriff in 1915-1916 and 1919. Back then, a term for a sheriff was one year. Grant Hamblin served as the Apache County Sheriff in 1955.
Reynolds said, “My ancestors served in several capacities assisting with the growth of Apache County from the early years of our county and I hope to build on that by serving the people of Apache County as the next sheriff.”
The Bar Brawl
Mountain Daily Star uncovered an indictment that involved Reynolds from 1974. Due to court records being destroyed, we worked with a historian at the Gallup Sun to locate any available records. The indictment stemmed from a bar brawl in a parking lot. Reynolds was indicted on aggravated battery in McKinley County, New Mexico.
On May 21, 1974, Reynolds and friends were at a bar when Willy Costello challenged Reynolds to a fight. The two men headed out to the parking lot and went to blows at each other. Reynolds won the fight, and Costello ended up with a couple of bumps and bruises.
Reynolds said, “The evils of drinking alcohol were surely present in my life back in the 70s. I finally realized the ill effects that alcohol had on my life, and I quit drinking completely in 1992. My involvement in martial arts was a huge factor in stopping the use of alcohol, and self improvement became a top priority for me.”
Reynolds received a full gubernatorial pardon in 1988. This indictment was not found on any conventional background checks or available through the courts. Accordingly, it appears the records have been expunged and are no longer a concern for the people of Apache County.
Mountain Daily Star Staff observed the gubernatorial pardon dated November 10, 1988, signed by New Mexico Governor Garrey Carruthers, and decided not to release it to the public due to possible document theft.
Military Service
Reynolds joined the U.S. Army in September of 1982 and served until June 1986, earning the rank of SGT. He earned two Army achievement medals, one while serving with the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment in Germany and the other while serving at the Desert Warfare Center in Ft. Irwin, California. Reynolds earned the Silver Schützenschnur for marksmanship proficiency while attached to a West German unit. He earned six Army certificates of achievement, a good conduct medal, and several letters of appreciation.
He had a secret security clearance in the military due to his work surrounding the M1 tanks.
“I am an Army veteran and I am proud and honored to have served this great nation and I look forward to serving again as the Apache County Sheriff,” said Reynolds.
Employment History
Upon separation from the U.S. Army, Reynolds started a horseback riding and firearms training facility near Grants, New Mexico. In 2005, he purchased the Southwest Shooting Authority sporting goods store in Farmington, New Mexico, where he had retail sales and a tactical firearms training facility. In 2011, he moved the facility to Northern Arizona.
Reynolds owns and hosts a popular podcast called “The Shooting Bench.” He talks about firearms, self-defense, firearm legislation, the Constitution, Freedom and Liberty, plays classic rock and country music, and discusses current events.
Reynolds is passionate about firearms. He is a firearms instructor and teaches over 20 firearms classes, including three different CCW classes. He also teaches disaster preparedness and emergency communication classes with the Southwest Shooting Authority.
“My experience as a firearm instructor and a business owner should garner community trust, ensuring I will be a viable choice as the next Apache County Sheriff. I will constantly earn the trust and respect of the community, our partners, and the Sheriff’s Office,” said Reynolds.
Reynolds is an Arizona licensed private investigator and has been involved in missing person cases, specifically the Matthew Drenth case.
“Dying is not an Option” is a manual that Reynolds said he wrote to help people in a survival situation.
Reynolds maintained a Federal Firearms License (FFL) from 2003 until 2015, at which time he decided not to renew it and went into training only. He noted his tactical training experience may be a benefit to the deputy’s training regimen.
“I will ensure our deputies have the best firearm and tactical training possible, because I understand the importance of firearm safety and community safety,” said Reynolds.
Reynolds was clear about the Unites States Constitution being his guide for all his methods and how he gauges his leadership standards.
“My main platform is the United States Constitution; I will lead as a Constitutional Sheriff. Constitutional Sheriff’s will be instrumental in helping to restore America to what it once was. The first line of defense is the Constitutional Sheriff,” said Reynolds.
What Reynolds Will Do Beginning Day One, If Elected.
Reynolds explained numerous issues with the current Apache County Sheriff’s Office leadership, including the ongoing animal crisis, lack of deputies, lengthy response times, and the diminishing budget. He explained that he would combat the present animal crisis by partnering with a veterinarian for animal crisis issues and staffing deputies in areas that are in desperate need of coverage.
“I will also develop initiatives for youth engagement, human trafficking particularly on the Navajo Nation, drug prevention, focusing on deputy retention and professional development within the department. I will also focus on securing a larger operating budget and bring transparency back to the Apache County Sheriff’s Office,” said Reynolds.
Reynolds also plans to immediately implement citizen partnership programs to increase the efficiency of the Sheriff’s Office. One of his first goals will be to re-activate the Apache County Sheriff’s Posse to assist with tasks and activities that do not require POST certified deputies, therefore, freeing up deputies for other duties. He will help local radio operators and organizations to create a program in which amateur radio operators can, when needed, assist with such operations as search and rescue, disaster relief, traffic control, severe weather issues. etc.
Community Notes
Mountain Daily Star contacted the community online and in person, asking for community notes about Reynolds.
“Cope taught me how to defend myself through his firearms classes, and I know I might save my life or someone else’s life because of the time he took to teach me the right and legal way to defend myself,” said Pamela Owens.
“Reynolds will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the sheriff’s office, he will be the peoples sheriff leaning on the U.S. Constitution for guidance and will always put the people first.” said David Begay.
Art Lee endorses Reynolds, the previous Apache County Sheriff, he served from 1973 to 1999. Other endorsements include: Former Senator Sylvia Allen, Former LD7 State Representative Walter Blackman, Current LD7 State Representative David Marshall, U.S. Secret service Special Agent Retired Donald Schwartz, CSPOA National Legislative liaison Rick Dalton and Former San Juan County Magistrate Judge Gary McDaniel.
Reynolds was kind and forthcoming with our journalists. All information requested was returned and verified quickly. Thank you, Mr. Reynolds.
