City of Willcox ALERT system

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About City of Willcox, Arizona

                                           
 
 

Located in the southeastern quadrant of the state of Arizona, Willcox serves as a significant testament to the area's rich historical tapestry and diverse geographic landscape. This high-desert city, nestled comfortably in Cochise County, is a cultural nexus, marked by its heritage of farming, cattle ranching, and the new-aged vinticulture that has taken root over the past few decades. Offering a unique blend of small-town charm and picturesque nature, Willcox, Arizona, embodies an undeniably compelling destination.

The city is home to a population of approximately 3,500 residents, according to estimates from the United States Census Bureau. Willcox's residents are known for their strong sense of community and shared passion for their city's deep-rooted history and promising future.

Historical Significance

Willcox's history has been intimately intertwined with the iconic narratives of the American Southwest. The city was originally established in the late 19th century as a whistle-stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad line. It was named after General Orlando B. Willcox who had served in the American Civil War. Willcox's historical importance lies in its integral role as a key supply center for the booming mining towns of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

One of its most famed historical associations is with Rex Allen, the renowned "singing cowboy" of Western movie fame in the mid-20th century. The city celebrates this connection through the annual Rex Allen Days and a museum dedicated to Allen's life and career.

Geographic Features

The city sits at an elevation of approximately 4,167 feet, situated within the Sulphur Springs Valley, flanked by the Dos Cabezas and Chiricahua mountain ranges. The landscape surrounding Willcox boasts of diverse natural beauty, ranging from rolling plains to dramatic mountain vistas.

Significant landmarks include the Chiricahua National Monument, known for its extraordinary rock formations, and Cochise's Stronghold, a natural fortress in the Dragoon Mountains famously used by the Apache leader Cochise. The region's fertile soil and a moderate climate have also supported the rise of numerous vineyards and farming endeavors.

Economy and Industry

Historically, the economy of Willcox has been largely driven by agriculture and cattle ranching. The city was once known as the "Cattle Capital of the Nation," given the volume of cattle shipped from its railyards. Today, it remains a significant hub for cattle farming.

In recent decades, viticulture has emerged as a prominent sector, with over a dozen vineyards and wineries situated in and around the city. As of 2016, the region was designated the Willcox American Viticultural Area (AVA), signifying its significance in grape cultivation and wine production. Today, the city contributes to over 74% of Arizona's wine grape production.

Cultural Aspects

Despite its small size, Willcox offers a vibrant cultural scene. The city is home to multiple festivals, including the aforementioned Rex Allen Days, the Willcox Wine Country Festival, and the Wings Over Willcox Birding Festival. These festivals provide residents and visitors alike with opportunities to partake in local traditions and enjoy the unique identity of the region.

Education and Facilities

Education in Willcox is primarily administered by the Willcox Unified School District, which includes an elementary, middle, and high school. Cochise College also operates a satellite campus in the city, offering a variety of two-year degree programs.

Healthcare needs are primarily served by the Northern Cochise Community Hospital, which provides a broad range of medical services to residents.

Willcox Police Department


The Willcox Police Department is a crucial entity for maintaining safety and order within the community of Willcox, Arizona. Comprising a dedicated force of officers, this department is responsible for law enforcement and various community-oriented services. As a pivotal player in the city's governance, the Willcox Police Department strives to uphold justice, transparency, and the protection of its citizens.

Organization Structure

The Willcox Police Department follows a hierarchical structure common to many American law enforcement agencies. At the top of the structure is the Chief of Police, who is appointed by the city administration. The Chief is responsible for setting the department's policies, overseeing all operations, and acting as the main liaison between the police department and the city government.

Beneath the Chief, the department is divided into various divisions such as Patrol, Investigations, and Administration. Each division carries out specialized roles, from crime scene investigation to maintaining internal records and facilitating community outreach.

Staffing and Training

The Willcox Police Department comprises a diverse team of sworn officers and civilian personnel. The number of staff can vary based on budget allocations, community needs, and the crime rate within the jurisdiction.

All sworn officers in the Willcox Police Department undergo rigorous training to ensure they can effectively carry out their duties. This includes a combination of academy training, on-the-job training, and continuous professional development courses. The training curriculum typically covers areas such as criminal law, community relations, traffic enforcement, crime scene investigation, firearms training, and emergency response.

Community Engagement and Programs

The Willcox Police Department is dedicated to fostering strong relationships with the community. It implements a variety of programs aimed at promoting public safety, crime prevention, and community engagement.

Among these programs are Neighborhood Watch initiatives, public safety awareness campaigns, and school liaison programs. The department also organizes periodic 'Coffee with a Cop' events, providing community members with an opportunity to meet and converse with local officers in a casual, non-emergency setting.

Contact Information

The Willcox Police Department operates 24/7 and can be contacted via multiple channels. For emergencies, residents are advised to dial 911. For non-emergency police assistance or to report a crime, the general line is available.

Willcox Police Department Address: 151 W Maley St, Willcox, AZ 85643, United States Non-emergency phone: (520) 384-4673 Fax: (520) 384-0907 Email: [email protected]

Online Presence

For ease of access to information and better engagement with the public, the Willcox Police Department maintains an online presence. The department's website features a host of useful resources, including safety tips, news updates, event schedules, and recruitment information. It also provides avenues for filing non-emergency reports and compliments or complaints about police services.

Website: https://willcox.az.gov/departments/Police

The Willcox Police Department continues to maintain its dedication to safeguarding the Willcox community. By upholding the highest standards of professionalism and service, the department aims to ensure the safety and security of all residents and visitors to the city.