SIERRA VISTA — Cochise County Sheriff Larry Dever was elected to a fourth term Tuesday, defeating opponent Norman Bradley by a wide margin.

Dever, a Republican, received 23,935 votes or nearly 60 percent, compared to 16,093 votes or 40 percent for Bradley, a Democrat, according to unofficial results.

Dever was first elected sheriff in 1996. Prior to that, he served as a deputy for 20 years.

“I am happy to be able to keep doing what I am doing for the people of Cochise County,” he told the Herald/Review on Tuesday night. “This is our home and our life and this opportunity to continue to serve in this fashion is a blessing. I recognize it for what it is. It is a big challenge. We have huge issues to face and take on, and I am still up to the fight.”

“I am just really pleased the people of Cochise County recognize what we have done in the past has been what they expected and continues to either meet or exceed those expectations,” he added.

Bradley, who served as undersheriff in the Sheriff’s Office from January 1997 to January 2001, now provides homeland defense and security management and operational consulting services.

During the campaign, Bradley said he thought he could do a better job of running the department than Dever.

Dever came under fire from Bradley and others who said he mismanaged the department by continuing to employ jail commander Ron Hager despite knowing he was under federal investigation. Dever contended he didn’t find out until late 2007 and soon afterward he asked Hager to resign

Bradley also ran against Dever in 2004 and lost. Dever pointed out he beat Bradley by a margin of about 60 percent to about 40 percent in that election, as well. He said the similar outcome this time demonstrates a vote of confidence from the public.

“I think that is a statement by Cochise County residents and citizens of what they appreciate and what they expect,” Dever said. “They obviously appreciate what we have done and they expect us to continue to deliver the kind of service we have and to build upon that and continue to seek improvement, and there is always room for improvement.”

Bradley could not be reached for comment by Wick News Service regarding the election outcome.