Point Fire

Fire specialists are managing the Point Fire for resource benefits and to reduce catastrophic wildfire danger to the communities of Pine and Strawberry.

The fire is creeping along the forest floor on Milk Ranch Point of the Mogollon Rim.

Crews successfully completed burnout operations. Expect little to no smoke as the fire continues to run it's course - burning with low intensity within its perimeters - until it runs its course or summer monsoons come. Crews will continue to monitor activity.

The closure on Milk Ranch Point will remain in place until further notice.

Phoenix Police Host “Bring Your Kid to Work Day”

WHO: Phoenix Police Department provides activities on “Bring Your Kid to Work Day”

WHAT: Funds raised at the event will go to benefit the family of Officer Brian Howe, who is suffering from Lou Gerhig’s disease.

WHEN: Thursday, June 18, 2009
10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

WHERE: Phoenix Police Air Support Unit
102 E. Deer Valley Rd. (North side of Deer Valley Rd. at Central Ave)

Follow the road to the north where you will be greeted by a Police Explorer who will be working the gate to direct the media into specific areas to park and set up.

The Phoenix Police Department is planning a day of demonstrations and activities for the annual “Bring Your Kid to Work Day” on June 18, 2009. The events will take place at our Air Support Unit, located at 102 E. Deer Valley Road, beginning at 10:30 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Demonstrations and activities include: K-9’s, Bomb Squad, Motorcycle Officers, Helicopters, Mounted Patrol Unit, PPD Race Car, SAU, McGruff, Dive Unit, FATS and more. There will be a Burger Burn with all proceeds going to the family of Officer Brian Howe, who has been suffering from Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, (Lou Gerhig’s disease).

OUR COMMUNITY MOURNS, A CITIZEN COMES THROUGH

Still fresh in our hearts is the tragic death of little Troy Campbell on Tuesday, June 2nd 2009. While a family and community mourn, Mr. Darrin Harper of Harper’s Funeral Home is stepping up to the plate.

Mr. Harper has pledged to the family, and in Troy’s memory, to cover all expenses related to Troy’s services and internment. This includes a custom casket, clothing, flowers and a personal (Mr. Harper’s) plot.

Services for little Troy will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday June 16th and he will be interned following the service at the Rest Haven Cemetery in the area of W. Northern Av./N. 63rd Av.

Mr. Harper’s generosity and selflessness is indicative of the fellowship often demonstrated within our community and we should all be proud that he lives and works among us.

Arizona Department of Public Safety arrests suspected military impersonator

On June 10, 2009, at about 1:45 p.m., John William Rodriquez, 31, of Scottsdale was booked into the Maricopa County Jail on 13 felony fraud schemes stemming from his impersonation of a highly decorated Marine. The arrest culminates a lengthy investigation which uncovered evidence that Rodriquez had been portraying himself as a U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant or Warrant Officer for at least a year.

Rodriquez first came to the attention of criminal investigators at DPS after a former marine witnessed Rodriquez being introduced as a decorated veteran during a special function. The former marine observed the uniform worn by Rodriquez was not complete and that it was highly unusual for a 31-year-old to be wearing the Navy Cross. The man did some research and discovered Rodriquez had never been in the military. The case was then referred to DPS. The investigation revealed Rodriquez has in fact been introduced as a decorated war veteran at several functions, along with listing himself as currently serving in the military on his driver’s license.

On June 4, 2009, DPS investigators served a search warrant at Rodriquez’s home and removed several Marine uniforms and metals. Rodriquez was out of state at the time. He later spoke with DPS investigators from Sacramento where his parents reside. On June 10, 2009, Rodriquez flew back to Phoenix with his father. He was arrested at Sky Harbor Airport and taken to DPS headquarters in Phoenix to be interviewed. He was then booked into the 4th Avenue jail.

Rodriquez faces possible federal charges in addition to his arrest for ARS Title 13 Felony Fraud Schemes.

FIREFIGHTERS REV UP THEIR MOTORCYCLE ENGINES & DRIVE TO ARIZONA BURN CAMP!

WHO: The Motorcycle Ride is limited to fire department members, retirees, and
their guests.

WHAT: (FOR MEDIA ONLY) Firefighter Motorcycle Run to Benefit Arizona Burn Camp

WHEN: Monday, June 15, 2009
Departing at 8:00 a.m. for Ride

WHERE: Fire Station 56
3210 W. Canotia Place

(I-17 & Carefree Highway)

CONTACT: Hugh Chase, Phoenix Fire Department
602-201-9716 or 602-370-5718

Phoenix area firefighters involved in the Sixth Annual Burn Camp Run will rev up their motorcycle engines and depart Phoenix Fire Station 56 for their ride up to the camp in Prescott at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, June 15th. They’ll take the Wickenburg/Yarnell route and arrive at Prescott’s Fire Station #1 at 333 White Spar Road for registration at 11 a.m. Only fire department members, retirees, and their guests are allowed to participate in the ride, hosted by the Phoenix Area Wind & Fire Motorcycle Chapter. All riders raise funds for the Arizona Burn Camp by securing corporate and private sponsors. Last year they raised $104,000, and they hope to make a significant contribution again this year.

The Arizona Burn Camp – “Camp Courage” – is a rehabilitative program that provides a safe environment where children can enjoy a week of summer camp specially tailored to their needs. The kids who attend the camp have sustained severely traumatic burn injuries. The camp provides an opportunity for them to participate in summer-time activities among other young burn survivors in a safe, friendly, and non-judgmental environment. Volunteers, counselors, and Phoenix firefighters and paramedics staff the camp.

Contributions to the Arizona Burn Camp may be made by check at Wind & Fire, P.O. Box 11355, Glendale, AZ 85318-1355 or at www.windandfirephoenixchapter.com.

WANTED: By Phoenix Police

Location: 8900 W. Fairmont Av.

Victim: Smith, Christopher, Black, male, 20 years of age

Suspect: Reid, Antonio, Black, male, 20 years of age

5’08”, 150 pounds (Felony Warrant)

Invest. Lead: Lemons, Brittany, Black, female, 19 years of age

5’01”, 125 pounds, black hair, brown eyes

At around 4:00 a.m. on 14 March, 2009 the victim was attending a party in the street in front of a residence in the area of 8900 W. Fairmont Av. For reason(s) unknown the victim was shot several times and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The police investigation has revealed that Antonio Reid is the suspect who shot Mr. Smith and investigative lead Brittany Lemons is the person who drove the suspect away from the scene.

The Phoenix Police Department is asking that anyone who may know the whereabouts of Antonio Reid and Brittany Lemons, or who may have information related to this homicide, please call Silent Witness at 480-W.I.T.N.E.S.S. Any caller may remain anonymous.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

IIMPACT detectives investigate two west Phoenix drop houses

On June 8, 2009, Phoenix Police received a tip from someone who said he was an illegal immigrant and had just paid his ransom from a drop house located at 5933 W. Indian School Road.

Phoenix Police arrived at the house and could hear people inside banging on the windows and screaming to get the attention of officers. IIMPACT was called to the scene. A total of nine human smugglers were identified. There were 32 undocumented aliens. Most had been held in the house for over one month and were barely given food or water. Many of the victims had been kicked by the suspects as they received extortion threats. The windows had been fortified by wood. A loaded pistol was recovered.

On June 6, 2009, Phoenix Police received an out of state tip from a woman who stated her boyfriend, an illegal immigrant, was being held against his will in a drop house. As IIMPACT investigated the case, Phoenix Police responded to a check welfare call at 8002 W. Westview. A person called and said he had escaped from the house. Police responded and found four suspected human smugglers and 17 undocumented immigrants. The victims told detectives they were being threatened and extorted for money.

In both cases the suspects will be charged with human smuggling, misconduct involving weapons, kidnapping, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and extortion. All UDA victims were turned over to the custody of ICE.