Johnny Behan (c. 1840–1889?) was the sheriff of Cochise County, Arizona wherein is situated the town of Tombstone. The gunfight at the O.K. Corral of 1881-10-26 occurred during his term of office, however the underlying causes were held at the time per standard operating procedure to be a purely local matter within the purview of the Tombstone authorities (Wyatt Earp et al). Sheriff is both a political and a legal office held under English common law, Scots law or U.S. common law, or the person who holds such office. ... Location in the state of Arizona Formed 1881 Seat Bisbee Area  - Total  - Water 16,107 km² (6,219 mi²) 128 km² (49 mi²) 0. ... Tombstone is a city located in Cochise County, Arizona, founded in 1879. ... The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral was an event of legendary proportion which has been portrayed in numerous Western films. ... 1881 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... October 26 is the 299th day of the year (300th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 66 days remaining. ... Standard Operating Procedure(s) or SOPs (pronounced letter by letter, ie ESS OH PEE(s) ) is a military term used to describe a procedure or set of procedures to perform a given operation or evolutions or in reaction to a given event. ... Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp (March 19, 1848 - January 13, 1929), was an officer of the law, gambler and saloon keeper in the Wild West. ...

Behan had been opposed in an election by Wyatt Earp, who lost. Popular understanding of the gunfight portrays Behan as a friend of Ike Clanton and the "cowboys", whom Behan may have offered legal protection to in the event they were to kill the Earps. Joseph Isaac (Ike) Clanton (1847-1887) was born in Callaway County, Missouri, and grew up to be one of the pivotal players in The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, one of the key moments in the American West. ...