Coconino County Detention Facility holds a traditional cleansing ceremony for deceased inmate

Navajo Medicine Man leads fire ceremony at Coconino County Detention Facility for deceased inmate Larry Joseph Diaz

Flagstaff, AZ - In respect of the many cultures of people served by the Coconino County Detention Facility and in light of the death of 53-year-old inmate Larry Joseph Diaz who died on Tuesday, July 26,  a traditional cleansing ceremony was held at the Hogan within the grounds of the Coconino County Detention Facility. This fire ceremony for Mr. Diaz was led by a Navajo Medicine Man.

The ceremony started with prayers for a safe journey and reception into Larry’s heaven, however he may have perceived it. Following the prayers for Mr. Diaz there were prayers for all the inmates and staff of the Detention Facility as well as all the people who work in the Law Enforcement Administration Facility.

At the conclusion of the prayers the coals from the dying fire were carried through the halls of the jail and scattered around the outside of all the buildings on the property. The Medicine Man also asked that all those who wanted to could drink a cup of water as a symbol of holy life.

Many cultures believe water is the universal symbol of life and cleansing for all living things.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Detention Officers and all civilian staff endeavor to acknowledge the cultural needs of each inmate respecting and facilitating their legitimate faith based beliefs and practices.