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“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
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.
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/
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.
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.
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
Date: December 15, 2009Time: 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.
