Sheriff Joe Arpaio honored as an Incredible Hero

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Heroes come in many forms and this week's hero is being recognized for his creative thinking in solving a long standing problem -- stray animals. Sheriff Joe Arpaio took the initiative and his resources to give stray animals a second chance at life.

What initially started out as a way to save the county money soon turned into a humane way to save an animal's life.

Maricopa County, in Arizona, was spending approximately $18 million a year on stray animals. In an effort to help cut costs, Sheriff Joe offered to take the department over. The budget for the entire department now runs on less than $3 million a year and gives stray animals a safe harbor in a kill free environment.

The animal shelters are staffed and operated by prisoners under the supervision of Sheriff Joe. They feed, care and walk them twice daily. A select few of the prisoners have become certified in animal nutrition and behavior and classes are offered to anyone that would like to adopt an animal. Sheriff Joe has literally taken stray dogs off the street, given them to the care of prisoners, and had them place in dog shows.

Sheriff Joe unfortunately will not be able to attend the Bashas' Supermarkets 200 at Phoenix International Raceway this weekend due to prior commitments. The America's Incredible Pizza Company and CJM Racing will be sending the seventh hero of the season a plaque in his honor along with some goody items from the race team.

The Incredible Heroes campaign will run throughout the 2009 Nationwide Series season. If you know of an Incredible Hero and would like to nominate him or her please email: heroes@incrediblepizza.com for consideration or click here.