Cochise County recently received recognition for its civic contributions with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo).

The county received the award for its Legacy Project’s facilitation of residential services. The county previously earned a Summit Award in Civic Engagement and Public Information from the Arizona Association of Counties (AACo) in late 2016.

Since 2014, Cochise’s Legacy Project has endeavored to commemorate particular departments within the county’s governmental structure, highlighting respective histories, staff members and service offerings via public outreach events designed to enhance connections with the public, according to an announcement.

Richard Searle, who served as a board chairman when the program was initiated, said that Cochise County stakeholders collaborated successfully over the past two years to advance the region’s history and traditions.

“Along the way employees learned about their individual departments, became more knowledgeable about other County services, shared stories with residents and former employees, and developed another level of trust, teamwork and leadership,” Searle said. “All of these factors work together to create a culture of professional and experienced staff to guarantee excellent service, which is a cornerstone of our Countywide Strategic Plan.”

NACo has allotted awards nationwide to recognize county contributions for children and youth, criminal justice, administration, IT, health and more since 1970.

“Counties overcome complex challenges, provide essential services and constantly do more with less,” NACo President Bryan Desloge said. “We applaud these Achievement Award-winning counties for outstanding efforts to improve residents’ quality of life.”