(Maricopa County, AZ) On Saturday, October 15, 2016, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office held its 3rd Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration & Ceremony. The event was held at the Surprise Apostolic Church in Surprise, Arizona, at 1:00 p.m. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has over 900 individuals of Hispanic descent in its employ. This represents 26% of its workforce.
“Our employees of Hispanic background serve the community with distinction,” said Sheriff Joe Arpaio. “So during Hispanic Heritage Month we want to recognize their accomplishments and celebrate with their family and friends.”
During the ceremony, nine employees were recognized for their volunteer work within the communities of Maricopa County. Additionally, a folklorico dance team performed. The public and the media were invited to attend. Surprise Apostolic Church is located at 12420 W. Paradise Lane, Surprise, AZ.
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.