Benefit Concert to be held for DPS Officer Ken Henscheid

Off. Henscheid was critically injured after being struck by a semi-truck on Thanksgiving weekend

Thursday, December 17, 2009 -

The band, “Another Shot” featuring special guest drummer-Ross Read, will be playing at the Roadrunner Restaurant and Saloon located at 47801 North Black Canyon Highway, New River Ariz. The event kicks off at 7:00 p.m. and runs until after mid-night. Two of the band members are also DPS Officers. Officer Henscheid is still being treated at the Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC) for the very serious injuries he sustained as a result of the incident.

WHO: The band, Another Shot

WHAT: Benefit Concert for DPS Officer Ken Henscheid, who was critically injured in the line of duty on Nov. 29, 2009, after he was hit by an out of control semi-tractor trailer traveling north on I-17 near Munds Park south of Flagstaff.

WHERE: Roadrunner Restaurant and Saloon

47801 No. Black Canyon Hwy.

New River, Arizona

WHEN: Friday, December 18, 2009

7:00 p.m.

The original information regarding this incident is available at: http://www.azdps.gov/Media/News/View/?p=140

Officer dies while trying to stop fleeing suspect

Friday, December 18, 2009 - (DPS)

On December 17, 2009, at approximately 9:29 p.m., an Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Officer located a vehicle with a stolen license plate traveling westbound on State Route 101 at 64th street. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle at the 56th street exit. At the 7th Street exit on the Loop 101, DPS Officer Chris Marano was out of his vehicle and in the process of deploying stop sticks, which is a tire deflation device, in an effort to disable the fleeing suspect vehicle and end the pursuit.

Officer Marano was standing in the right shoulder of the freeway. The suspect vehicle veered into the right shoulder while the pursuing DPS patrol vehicle remained in the right travel lane striking Officer Marano.

Officer Marano, 28, of Surprise, Ariz., was transported to John C. Lincoln Hospital North Mountain where he was pronounced deceased at 10:09 p.m. He is survived by his wife, Shelly Marano, and four children ages 7, 5, 5, and 4 months. Officer Marano had served with DPS three and one half years.

The suspect vehicle continued and exited the freeway at 7th Avenue. With the assistance of citizens, officers located the abandoned vehicle at 5th Avenue and Tonopah. A perimeter was established with the aid of Phoenix Police and the Mesa Police helicopter. A Phoenix Police Canine unit located the suspect hiding on the balcony of a condominium. The suspect did not respond to officer’s commands and was bitten by a police canine.

The suspect, Georgia Lynn Baker, 43, of Phoenix was transported to a local hospital for treatment of the bite injury. Investigators believe she was impaired by drugs.

Baker remains in the hospital and will undergo minor surgery. We expect her to be booked into the Maricopa County 4th Avenue Jail. DPS will notify media when the suspect is transported which should be sometime today.

Officer Chris Marano was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He graduated from High School in 2000 from Washburn High School in Minnesota before joining the Navy where he was in active service as a military police officer from 2000-2005. Marano was in the Navy reserve from 2005 until 2008. Below is a list of his commendations while in the Navy.

U.S. Navy: 8/13/2000 to 10/13/2005 (required active service)
Served as a Military Police Officer in Naples, Italy and aboard USS Nimitz for a combined 4 years
separated with Honorable discharge.
Awards during active service:
1) 2002 Letter of Commendation for providing protection to a large number of high risk dignitaries in Castel, Volturno, Italy.
2) 2003 Letter of Appreciation for outstanding performance in emergency response of vehicular accident involving a shipmate in Italy
3) 2005 Letter of Commendation Citation for outstanding performance of duty as Watch Commander aboard USS Nimitz.

Please send condolences to: http://www.legacy.com/gb2/default.aspx?personid=137445494

Funeral arrangements as well as the establishment of a benefit account are pending. Please check back for updated information and images of Officer Marano.

BULLHEAD CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT AND FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONS PRAISE CONTEST WINNER

Grabbing the phone and calling 911 has proven to stop crimes in progress, save people in medical distress, and get the fire department rolling to fires. Recently Frontier Communications and Bullhead Fire Department teamed up to promote a poster contest in the 5th grade rooms of Bullhead City. The contest was not a teacher assignment; therefore, it was up to the student if they wanted to design a poster and submit it. The purpose of the poster was to increase awareness of 911 to the community and to the children. Posters were to demonstrate the meaning of 911, when should 911 be called, and why should 911 be called. The posters were collected and judged. The Judges were Jason Moothart and Melody Dumochel from Frontier Communications along with Kim Miles and Mike Villagran from the Bullhead City Fire Department. The judges looked at about 50 posters before deciding on a winner. Kim Miles, Public Education Specialist with the fire department, worked with the schools and teachers to coordinate the contest. This contest could become an annual event Frontier Communications had the poster enlarged and it is currently on display in their lobby on Hancock Road. The winner was Jennifer Jones from Desert Valley Elementary School. Jennifer is a student in the classroom of Ms. Shannon Dias. Jennifer also will receive “Honorary Fire Chief ForThe Day” and dinner with the shift crew. Battalion Chief Don Evans says “my crew at Station One is excited about Jennifer joining them for dinner. They plan to cook something up special for our big winner.” PHOTO: Poster winner Jennifer Jones displays her enlarged poster with Melody Dumochel (L) along with Mike Villagran and Kim Miles. Photo provided by the Bullhead City Fire Department with permission to publish with the following credit line: “Photo courtesy of the Bullhead City Fire Department.”

REWARD up to $11,000 for information on murder

TYPE OF CRIME: HOMICIDE VICTIM: LYNSEY CHAINHALT 20 YEARS OLD LOCATION: 17800 N. 20th ST ( 20th St and Grovers) DATE/TIME: JUNE 14 , 2003 at 2:08 AM PERSON/S OF INTEREST: VEHICLE: Ricardo Molinares-Sanchez aka “Butcho” 30 years old,6’3, 280 lbs and Fermin Gomez aka “Mini” 28 years old, 5’7, 125 lbs NEWER DARK BLUE TAHOE OR YUKON WITH TINTED WINDOWS On June 14, 2003 at approximately 2:08 am the victim was in a vehicle on the I/17 and Greenway accompanied by 3 of her friends. They were cut off by the driver of the suspect vehicle after a verbal altercation and followed to the area of 20th St and Grovers. The suspects then fired multiple times at the vehicle causing the death of the victim. The 3 suspects then fled in the listed vehicle. Police have listed Ricardo Sanchez-Molinares and Fermin Gomez as person/s of interest. If you have any information reference this case please contact Silent Witness

Fatal Collision - State Route (Loop) 303 at Olive Avenue

DPS is investigating a two-vehicle collision, involving one fatal injury and a commercial vehicle, which occurred around 8:19 AM in the intersection of State Route 303 and Olive Avenue in the Northwest Valley. The collision involves a tractor/trailer unit hauling gravel and a pick-up truck. Preliminary information according to on scene witnesses, indicates the pick-up truck entered into the intersection against the red traffic signal and collided with the gravel truck who entered on the green signal. The specific direction for each vehicle is being verified. One vehicle was southbound on State Route 303 and the other was traveling eastbound on Olive Avenue. Both vehicles overturned after impact with the gravel truck losing its load onto the roadway surface mainly blocking the northbound lanes and partially blocking the southbound lanes. The deceased occupant (declared on scene) was the driver of the pick-up. No further information will be provided until the next of kin notification process has been completed. It is unknown if the gravel truck driver has reported any injury. There were no other occupants for either vehicle.

PHOENIX POLICE & Waste management launch new public safety program

“Waste Watch” Trains Drivers to Aid Police Phoenix – December 16th, 2009 – Phoenix police have a new ally to help protect Valley neighborhoods. Waste Management and the Phoenix Police Department will join forces to launch Waste Watch, a WM community safety program designed to help law enforcement spot suspicious activity. Through this program, Waste Management drivers will act as an extra set of eyes and ears for police, fire department and emergency services, reporting unusual activity that may take place while drivers are on their routes. Dozens of Waste Management drivers will be trained by security professionals and Phoenix Police to show them what to look for while on their routes and how to respond in an emergency situation. “Since Waste Management drivers are familiar with their routes and tend to work at night when crime often occurs, it makes them good candidates for spotting suspicious activity,” said Waste Management Area Vice President Dan Vermeer. “Waste Watch is another way for our employees to help make a positive difference in our community, to help make it a safer place. The media is invited to attend a press conference announcing the program: Location: Waste Management’s Elwood Facility 1580 E. Elwood St. (just south of University) Date: Thursday, December 17th, 2009 Time: 2pm Who: Remarks from Mayor Phil Gordon, Public Safety Manager Jack Harris and Waste Management Area Vice President Dan Vermeer

Man turns himself him for a murder in 1988

On 12/15/09, at about 3:30 p.m., Kenneth Jackson, walked into the Phoenix Police headquarters at 620 W. Washington and asked to speak with a homicide detective. Mr. Jackson was then contacted by a member of the Homicide Unit in the lobby and this is when it was learned that Jackson wanted to turn himself in for a murder which occurred 21 years ago. Mr. Jackson told Phoenix Homicide detectives that in November of 1988 he entered the home of the victim, whom he had known only slightly, with the intent to rob him. Mr. Jackson said he killed the victim, took his wallet and fled the home. Mr. Jackson explained that he had been “strung out” on drugs and he had needed money for his next “fix”. Shortly after the homicide Mr. Jackson fled Arizona to Southern California where he began to change his life. Mr. Jackson cleaned himself of drugs obtained a decent job and bought a home. During this same time period Mr. Jackson’s father was terminally ill and, according to Mr. Jackson, he confessed the crime to his father and his father advised him before he passed away to “get back to the church and fix this”. Mr. Jackson continued his rejuvenated life, but was not happy. After approximately 21 years of living with what he had done, Mr. Jackson chose to return to Phoenix and turn himself in. Mr. Jackson was determined to have specific information about the homicide that only the suspect could know. Kenneth Jackson Jr. was later booked into jail on one count of first degree murder and one count of armed robbery. Attempts to locate the victim’s next of kin are being made to notify them of this arrest.

Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Air Rescue medics deliver baby on board DPS helicopter

On December 15th, 2009, at about 6:18 a.m., the DPS Air Rescue Helicopter stationed out of Kingman, Ariz., responded to a medical emergency involving a woman in active labor. The patient, a 33 year-old resident of Supai, was being treated at a local clinic in the Supai Village that is located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. The crew, consisting of a DPS Officer-Pilot and two Officer-Paramedics, prepared the patient for flight and began a transport to the Kingman Regional Medical Center (KRMC) about 130 miles away. As the crew was preparing to land, at about 8:25 a.m., the Kingman based crew reacted as the woman’s labor progressed to the point where it became clear that her soon-to-be newborn wanted to make his grand appearance prior to getting to the hospital. Working quickly, the DPS crew delivered the healthy baby boy in the back of the helicopter just as the helicopter was landing. There were no complications. The Air Rescue Helicopter landed safely five minutes later at KRMC. The mother and baby boy are resting comfortably at KRMC. The Medical Doctor stationed at the Supai Village clinic reportedly was unable to find any medical-evacuation helicopter to respond this morning. However, the DPS Kingman-Ranger Air Rescue crew was readily available and up to the task when called upon. “This instance of extraordinary service performed by DPS Air Rescue personnel is just an example of what our aviation unit does on a regular basis statewide in the service of Arizona residents and visitors alike. Whether a medical, search and rescue, or law enforcement mission, the crews at DPS’ four Air Rescue bases stand ready to provide an invaluable resource in treacherous conditions and terrain where many other medical-evacuation helicopters can’t,” said Rich Thacher, DPS Aviation Administrator. Additional information regarding our Air Rescue program can be obtained at the following link: http://www.azdps.gov/About/Organization/Highway_Patrol/Aviation/

Yuma Fire: Candle with Care

Candle With Care:
The holiday season is here and some centerpieces and decorations may include candles. During December there are nearly twice as many candle fires as are average for the other 11 months. Candle fires account for more than 10,000 home fires a year. The top five days of the year for candle fires are Christmas, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day, New Year’s Eve, and Halloween! So, with 4 of those days coming in just the next few weeks, here are a few suggestions:

-Keep candles away from all holiday decorations.
-Place burning candles where they can’t be bumped or brushed against.
-Arrange table candles safely away from flammable centerpieces and hanging decorations.
-Be sure candles have stable bases and holders.

And NEVER leave a burning candle unattended!!!!!!!!!!
Have a safe and happy holiday season! For more information about fire safety and injury prevention, contact the Yuma Fire Department Public Information Office at 373-4855.

Rangers Respond to Request for Assistance for Grand Canyon Railway

Grand Canyon, Ariz. – At approximately 11:40 a.m. on Monday, December 14, the National Park Service (NPS) responded to a request for assistance from the Grand Canyon Railway (Railway) at the rail junction with Rowe Well Road three miles inside the park boundary. Upon arriving at the scene, ranger’s found the train stopped approximately 70 feet beyond the rail junction with one of the locomotive’s four axles no longer on the track. The train’s 70 passengers, four engine crew and three passenger service attendants were unhurt, but eager to finish their trip to the South Rim. Xanterra South Rim, L.L.C, a concessioner in the park, brought in buses to transport the passengers the rest of the way to Grand Canyon Village while Railway and NPS crews worked to clear snow and ice in order to get the train’s axle back on the track. The locomotive involved in the incident returned to Williams early this afternoon so that a full inspection could be conducted. A replacement locomotive was brought in to complete the train’s scheduled round trip. Additionally, the train delayed its departure from the Grand Canyon by an hour in order to give passengers the full benefit of their visit to the park. Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident was caused by a buildup of ice on the tracks. Although Federal Railroad Administration requires that tracks such as those in the park be inspected two times per week, Grand Canyon Railway makes every effort to inspect their tracks daily. Railway staff confirmed that the Rowe Well section of track was last inspected yesterday. The NPS is continuing its investigation into the incident.

AHPA Annual Christmas Bear Program

The Internet link connects to a News Release from the Arizona Department of Public Safety's (DPS) Web site, provided as a courtesy to the Arizona Highway Patrol Association (AHPA) to announce their 2009 Annual Christmas Bear Program.


http://www.azdps.gov/Media/News/View/?p=155

Citizen Recognition of Appreciation Award From the Phoenix Police Department

Date: December 15, 2009

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Location: Desert Horizon Precinct (Sub Station)

900 W. Peoria

602-495-5006

On Thursday, October 22, 2009, at 5:12 p.m. Ms. Sheri Stockhaus was on her way home from work when she observed a vehicle with severe front end damage fleeing from the scene of a vehicle collision. There was smoke coming out of the passenger compartment from deployed airbags, and the vehicle was heading north on North 12th Street from North Cave Creek Road.

Ms. Stockhaus took it upon herself to follow the vehicle and obtain the license plate number. She even went further and approached the driver who was still seated in the driver’s seat of the severely damaged vehicle. Ms. Stockhaus relayed the suspect vehicles license plate information and it’s location to a 911 operator.

Ms. Stockhaus then returned to the collision scene to check on the condition of the driver involved in the other vehicle. Police had arrived by the time Ms. Stockhaus returned to the original scene.

Ms. Stockhaus then offered to show officers where the suspect vehicle was located. Ms. Stockhaus stood by with officers as they made contact at a residence corresponding to the carport where the vehicle was parked. Ms. Stockhaus was able to make a positive identification of the driver, which led to the driver’s arrest for leaving the scene of an attended vehicle collision.

This is another great example of the citizens of Phoenix working together with the Phoenix Police Department to make their communities a better place to live.

On Tuesday, December 15, 2009, Ms. Stockhaus will be recognized for her actions by the officers of the Desert Horizon Precinct. The Media is invited to attend as this young lady will be honored with a certificate of appreciation for her brave efforts.