Phoenix Officers And Boy Scout Aid Central Phoenix Senior Citizen

Long-time central Phoenix resident, Josephine Fuller had a nice surprise on Monday morning, October 13, 2008 when Lieutenant Kim Charrier and Sergeant Blake Carlson of Central City Precinct knocked on her door.  It seems the 90-year young little lady has had an on-going problem with irrigation to her home for quite some time.  A good neighbor, George Geraci, alerted city officials to the troubles.  Phoenix police became involved when it was learned that some not-so-nice neighbors were siphoning water from the system resulting in a lot less water getting to Mrs. Fuller’s nicely-tended residence at the end of the irrigation line.

Sergeant Carlson, who supervises the 51-G squad, asked Officer Monica Adams to take a closer look at the infrastructure on the line. Adams has extensive plumbing and electrical knowledge and discovered the line required repairs that could probably be taken care of by a little time and muscle.  Carlson asked for volunteers to help on the project and was quickly joined by three of his junior squad members along with Lieutenant Charrier and 11 year-old Spencer Adams, a Boy Scout and neighbor of Officer Adams (no relation) who was enjoying a fall break from school and was eager to earn a merit badge.

The team arrived armed with shovels, trowels, and loaded with supplies for the repairs and dug right in, completing the job in about two hours.  Good neighbor Geraci came by to offer support and cold beverages to the team who are just an example of the men and women who comprise a police department we can proudly call “Phoenix’s Finest!”  Our hats are off to the team: Lieutenant Kim Charrier #5532, Sergeant Blake Carlson #6023, Officer Monica Adams #9093, Officer Greg Lavelle #8719, Officer Javier Quezada #8953, Boy Scout Spencer Adams (Queen Creek Troop #486), and Phoenix resident, George Geraci.

Officer Jennifer Todd Recieves Special American Flag

The Active Duty Support Team (ADST) was formed in 2003 and is comprised of Phoenix Police Employees, who volunteer their time to provide support to other Phoenix Police Employees and their families who are currently deployed. The ADST supports deployed soldiers in many ways including providing them with care packages, keeping them current with information, and providing family assistance. The team also has a web page on the employee web site where members of the department can communicate directly with deployed soldiers via email as well as read letters written by deployed personnel. 

On June 18, 2008, Officer Jennifer Todd received a heartfelt token of appreciation from Officer Joshua Adams who had recently returned from serving in Afghanistan. Officer Adams was deployed for approximately 2 years while serving with the 1/285^th Attack Recon Battalion (ARB) AZ Army National Guard. During Officer Adams tour, Officer Todd sent him care packages which contained DVDs so he and other soldiers could watch movies during downtime. Officer Todd kept him up to date on current information from back home as well as becoming a conduit between the department and Officer Adams family. For Officer Adams 10^th wedding anniversary, Officer Todd coordinated a surprise at a resort and dinner reservations for him and his wife while he was on R&R.  Officer Todd also arranged for Officer Adams yard to be cleaned while he was deployed.  Officer Adams sincerely appreciated these acts of kindness and wanted to express his appreciation. 

During an awards presentation held at PAB, Officer Adams expressed his heartfelt appreciation for all that Officer Todd had done for him, his family and several other deployed soldiers while he was in Afghanistan. Officer Adams presented Officer Todd with an American flag that he had flown with him during a mission. The flag was housed in a shadow box and below it was a picture of an Apache Attack Helicopter with words that read: 

This American Flag is Dedicated to:
Jennifer Todd
Presented by:
1LT Joshua Adams

This flag was flown on combat missions in an AH-64D Apache Attack Helicopter in the face of the enemy, and bore witness to the resolve of U.S Forces in contact with terrorist forces threatening the freedom of the United States of America and the world. This flag was flown over Kandahar, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom for the men and women who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. 

Officers Rescue Man from Burning Home

On Friday, June 20, 2008, Phoenix Police Officers Tim Mazich #7654 and Tom Romano #9068 were responding to a radio call when they observed a home on fire in the area of 7200 N. 35th Avenue. They immediately stopped their patrol car and rushed to the front door of the residence and tried to kick it in.  Although they were not able to force the front door open, they did make enough noise to awaken the homeowner who was sleeping in the living room.  The startled homeowner opened the door and the officers entered and quickly led him to safety through the intense heat of the fire. One officer breathed into a towel, while the other buried his head into his bullet proof vest in order to avoid inhaling the dense smoke. Officer Tom Romano was in training and had only been on the streets for eight weeks. Both officers told gathering media that “… it was a good day—part of the job they signed up to do!”

Phoenix Police Forensic Imaging Specialist, Kirt Messick Assists Peoria PD with Skull Reconstruction.

During a press conference held at Phoenix Police Headquarters on Tuesday, June 17, 2008, Peoria Police Department spokesperson, Mike Tellef, shared the details surrounding an unsolved Peoria case that enlisted the help of Phoenix Police Department’s Kirt Messick.  Messick, a Forensic Imaging Specialist, reconstructed the skull that was discovered along with the victim’s remains in the desert near Lake Pleasant (in the area of 41,900 N. Castle Hot Springs Road) on April 1, 2007.  Anyone with information regarding the case was asked to contact Mike Tellef at (623) 734-8319 or (623) 773-8052.

K-9 Officer Entertains Elementary School Kids with Demonstration.

Phoenix Police K9 Officer Bryan Welsh and “Zeke” provided an entertaining demonstration on Tuesday morning, June 17, 2008 at Sunland Elementary School, 5401 South 7th Avenue.  The kids, attired in their G.R.E.A.T. t-shirts, watched as K9 “Zeke” took a bite out of crime—well, at least a demo about biting – when Officer Mark Enegren bravely volunteered to put on the bite sleeve and be Zeke’s target!

Maryvale Take Aggressive Action to identify and Arrest "Taggers"

In an effort to combat the increasing graffiti problem in the Maryvale area, officers from the Maryvale Precinct developed an innovative partnership with the Neighborhood Services Department (NSD). This new policing program has enabled officers to identify and arrest numerous “tagging” suspects.

Background:

During the past 6 months, one “tag” has resulted in over $12,000 worth of damage to Maryvale…and there are numerous different tags blanketing the area. Investigators have also found that after vandals’ graffiti neighborhoods, they graduate to more severe crimes (assaults, robberies, burglaries, etc).  After hearing concerns from neighborhood groups and community associations, the graffiti officers from the precinct brainstormed for new a program that would actually arrest these criminals, instead of simply helping the neighborhood paint over graffiti. 

This new program has been underway for the past two months and at least a dozen “taggers” have been arrested and officers are continuing to work to identify new graffiti suspects. The success of this program is evident not only in the arrests, but also in the reduction of graffiti in the area. 

The sergeant behind this new program, and her partner from NSD, will be available to speak to the media on Tuesday, June 17th at 10:00am at the Main Police Station located at 620 W. Washington Street. 

Recipients of the Crime Suppression Award

 
Through diligent and dedicated police work, Sgt. Greg Dykstra, Officers Bill Benson, Steve Binder, Toni Gebbia, Chuck Hilyard, Dave Ingram, Mark Metelski, Kerri Stewart, and Brian Whaley, from the 62X Squad, received this months Crime Suppression Award.

The 62X Squad succeeded in combating the Desert Horizon Precinct’s increase in robberies. Their efforts culminated in the arrest of over 25 subjects for robbery / armed robbery during the past several months.  Some of the criminals were even charged with multiple robberies and other assorted felonies.

These officers had to go to great lengths to find and arrest these violent criminals. Their actions surpassed the normal routines of the Neighborhood Enforcement Team.  The 62X squad could not have accomplished this level of success without Sergeant Dykstra’s dedicated leadership and the cooperative teamwork by the officers.

These officers are extremely deserving of the Crime Suppression Award.

Officers from Desert Horizon Precinct to Recieve Distinguished Service Award

The below listed officers will be receiving the Distinguished Service Award for their outstanding performance while dealing with an extremely challenging and racially sensitive issue in the most professional and productive manner.  This problem is outside the normal duties of the precinct’s NET and CAO Squads.  All expectations were exceeded by their planning and performance during the past 13 months. 

Toward the end of 2006, during a period of ever-increasing calls for service, the Mayor’s office, City Council, and command staff of Desert Horizon Precinct were asked to find a solution for the growing problem of trespassers on private business property, nearly all of whom were considered “day laborers.” 

These complaints centered on the seemingly innocuous misdemeanor crime of trespassing by day laborers looking for work.  Compared to the challenges faced by the Police Department trying to combat violent felonies, trespassing usually didn’t appear on the radar screen as something on which we should spend much time and effort.  However, the business owners, trying to earn a living in locations where they had existed for many years, deserved a responsible solution. 

NET Sergeant Stevenson assumed leadership of the enforcement effort, and assisted CAO Sergeant Dwyer with the planning and communication challenges.  In consort with the City Prosecutor’s office, our Records & Identification Bureau, personnel at Maricopa County Jail, Parks & Recreation, Streets and Zoning Departments, et al., a detailed plan was conceived to effectively deal with this extremely sensitive “hot potato”.  We took great pains to ensure that the civil rights of the day laborers, almost all suspected of being undocumented, were protected while still responding to the pleas for assistance from business and community leaders.

In just over 12 months along the Bell Road Corridor, nearly 700 subjects were arrested and booked for trespassing. 

The successful completion of this special project garnered praise for Desert Horizon Precinct for professionalism, improved relationships between the Police Department and the local business community, and lowered crime rates and reduced calls for service in specific locations.

Employees:
Sergeant Howard Stevenson #6468
Sergeant Michael Dwyer #5612
Officer Eric Breindl #6135
Officer Forrest Conner #4434
Officer Robert Cummins #5998
Officer Steven McDonald #6984
Officer Bernard Neil #5788
Officer Derek Pulliam #5653
Officer James Stenholm # 6206
Officer Gary Wilson #5746
Officer Victoria Berry #6840
Officer Brian Gray #6462
Officer Michael Piazza #7176
Officer Santos Robles #6892
Officer Albert Salaiz #7584
Officer Harold Titus #7834
Officer Dawn Vaughn #7385
Officer Curtis Young #7243

The Canine Unit participated in the 6Th Annual Desert Dog Regional Police
K-9 Trials

The Canine Unit participated in the 6Th Annual Desert Dog Regional Police K-9 Trials on April 12th and 13th.  This event is sponsored by the Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association (ALECA) in partnership with the Mesa PD, Scottsdale PD, Phoenix PD and Scottsdale Healthcare.  There were sixty teams participating in the event representing the Police, Military, Government and Security Canine Teams from the Southwest United States.

The teams participated in several field events including Narcotic Search, Handler Protection, Tactical Building Search, Area Search, Tactical Obedience, Agility/Obstacle Course.  The Phoenix Police Department had three teams representing the Tactical Support Bureau, Canine Unit.  These teams took home several awards including First Place Agency for Detection and Second Place Agency for Patrol.  The Top Dog Award which is based on overall standings for all events went to Officer Tim Norton and his K9 Jake.  Officer Jon Howard and his K9 Lobo took 3rd Place in the Top Dog Award.  The following are the results for the teams:

Narcotics Detection
1st Place            Tim Norton & K9 Jake
2nd Place           Jon Howard & K9 Lobo
Tactical Obedience
6th Place            Bryan Hanania & K9 Cyrus
Building Search
1st Place            Tim Norton & K9 Jake
Area Search
4th Place            Bryan Hanania & K9 Cyrus
5th Place            Tim Norton & K9 Jake
Handler Protection
3rd Place           Tim Norton & K9 Jake
4th Place            Jon Howard & K9 Lobo
Top Dog
1st Place            Tim Norton & K9 Jake
3rd Place           Jon Howard & K9 Lobo

These teams put in additional training time to get their canines ready for this type of competition.  The hard work they have provided is quite evident in the above listed results.  I would like to see if this information can be sent to the Public Affairs Bureau to be listed on the PD Web page.  We can also include a photograph of the teams with their trophies if desired.

School Resource Officer becomes Chef for a Day for Local School

On Friday, April 11, 2008, Officer Greg Myracle, School Resource Officer at R. E. Simpson School, took off his gun belt and flipped burgers for the End of AIMS testing celebration. The celebration was during the students' lunchtime and they were able to enjoy a barbeque. Officer Myracle cooked over 1,120 burgers for students and staff. This was an excellent way for the students to see Officer Myracle in another positive light, outside of his role as an SRO at their school. The students and staff had a great time and enjoyed the food. Thanks to Officer Myracle for being Simpson's chef for the day.

Prostitution Reduction (and overall crime reduction) along Van Buren

Officers from the Central City  Precinct conducted a year-long operation in an effort to eliminate prostitution that had historically blanketed Van Buren (from approximately 24th Street to 32nd Street). They used an innovative approach with limited manpower and minimal overtime.  Instead of targeting the prostitutes themselves, they focused on contacting and educating the businesses in the area that were creating an environment for prostitution to occur. 

The majority of the owners restructured their businesses practices and their businesses have prospered. One motel owner commented that he had to go out and purchase “no vacancy” signs; something he had never had the opportunity to do in the past. 

There were a handful of motels/ apartment complexes that did not participate in the crime reduction efforts. This proved to be a poor decision, for the owners of each of these businesses eventually destroyed their own properties. 

Just over a week ago, the owner of the final apartment complex, which was responsible for an exceptionally high volume of calls for service, destroyed his property. 

The statistics show that not only is prostitution in this area virtually non-existent, but other crimes, such as, drugs and violent crimes, have also been dramatically reduced.

This operation was able to succeed due to the cooperative efforts of the Phoenix Police Department, the County Attorney's Officer, the Neighborhood Services Department, and the Department of Developmental Services.

Impersonating a Police Officer Arrest

March 21st at 10:50pm, while driving a white Crown Victoria with a light system and wearing a ‘police type uniform,’ bullet proof vest, gun belt equipped with mace, handcuffs and a handgun, Michael Escobar drove behind a vehicle being driven by a 14 year old girl (her 16 year old friend was also with her) and ‘enacted’ a traffic stop. The unsuspecting girls believed the Michael was a police officer engaging his light system and pulled into the Desert Sky Mall to comply with his authority.

Within minutes of the stop, both girls became suspicious and nervous. Fortunately, the Desert Sky Mall security was patrolling the parking lot and drove close to the traffic stop. This action caused Michael to become anxious and he walked back to his ‘patrol car.’ Michael then called 911 to report that he was with a State Recovery Agency and was ‘out’ with a vehicle that was driving erratically.

A Maryvale Precinct Sergeant responded to the ‘traffic stop.’ The sergeant’s probing questions revealed that Michael Escobar did not work for a state agency of any kind as he claimed, but he was impersonating a police officer. Moreover, the girls were not driving erratically, but safely traveling on Thomas Road.

Fortunately, these cases are rare, but there are people who will attempt to impersonate a police officer. For this reason, we would like to advise the public that when an officer is enacting a traffic stop, it is best to safely drive to a well-lighted area and then pull to the side of the road or into a parking lot. Officers are required to carry their badge and commission card, so citizens can also ask to see their identification. Lastly, in cases where the traffic stop is being enacted by an outside agency or if the officer’s identity is still in question, citizens can call 911 and the operator can attempt to contact the respective agency. If this is not possible, a Phoenix Police Officer can be dispatched to the traffic stop.

Officers Pull Elderly Man from Apartment Fire

On 03-01-08, Officer Collier and Officer Dunivan were flagged down by a citizen reference an apartment fire at 5001 N. 11th Avenue. The officers drove to this location and found flames coming from a second floor apartment. They had arrived before the Fire Department, and therefore did not have any protective equipment to shield them from the flames. In spite of the danger involved, they immediately ran to this apartment and found a 72 year-old man collapsed in the doorway. With the help of citizens, the officers were able to carry the man downstairs and to safety. All of the above listed officers then worked together to evacuate the other residents of the apartment complex.   

Each officer was transported to the hospital for smoke related treatment.  Officer Collier was also treated for a minor burn she sustained while pulling the elderly man to safety.

Officers Teach Preschool Children About Calling 9-1-1

On March 24,2008, Officer Aimee Knight and Officer Marie Espinoza, spoke to preschool children at the Family of Christ Church and Preschool about calling 911. Officer Knight began her career with the Phoenix Police Department as a Communications Operator. While in this position, she learned how to train young children on the 911 system. Through her personal experiences as a Communications Operator (where she would occasionally talk to young children who would call 911) and her training, she has become very proficient in teaching children how to use the emergency system.  Listed below are some areas that Officer Knight and Officer Espinoza spoke about to the children:

1.         Knowing your Mom and Dad's full name or the names of who they live with. 

2.         Knowing your address and phone number.

3.         Stranger danger

4.         Emergencies

The Phoenix Police Department would like to remind parents that as soon as their children can talk, they can learn about the 911 system.  Parents should role-play with their children so they can learn to call 911 and be able to provide the necessary personal information.  In addition, it is important to teach children the types of events that are considered ‘emergencies.’ 

Wake-Up Kids and Neighborhood Association Partner with Police to Eradicate Graffiti

On March 13th and 15th, 2008, respectively, the R.E. Simpson School Phoenix Wake Up! Club and the Loma Linda Neighborhood Association partnered with the Phoenix Police Department’s School Resource Officers assigned to the Squaw Peak Precinct to help eradicate Graffiti in our neighborhoods. The precinct’s Graffiti Abatement Team (G.A.T.) worked with students from R.E. Simpson School in the Alhambra School District to paint the new park at 23rd Avenue and Camelback Road. Forty-One student participants enthusiastically painted just about the entire interior circumference of the park. Under the supervision of Phoenix police SRO officers and Simpson School staff, Denise Warren and Maurine “Mo” Dewhurst, the students used rollers to undo the harm local graffiti vandals had inflicted on our neighborhood. Two days later, the G.A.T. team, specifically officers from the Squaw Peak Precinct,  assisted local neighborhood activists and members of the Loma Linda Neighborhood Association, a registered Block Watch group in Phoenix, with ridding that residential neighborhood of graffiti.

The G.A.T. program is the result of a P.P.D. / S.P.P partnership with the Loma Linda Neighborhood Association, and was funded by a City of Phoenix 2007 Block Watch Grant. The G.A.T. partnership brings police and community together to engage the common concerns that result from graffiti vandalism. In its first month in practice, the Graffiti Abatement Team has successfully brought communities together against graffiti. You see … “together against graffiti,” (T.A.G.) is the inverse acronym for G.A.T. Clever R.E. Simpson School student Shane Redosta is responsible for that one…Graffiti Abatement Team – Together Against Graffiti. His involvement and word play is further evidence of the G.A.T. program’s ability to bring communities, and generations, together.

Detectives Receive Award from Major Retailers Industry

During the week of the 2008 NFL Super Bowl, the Phoenix Police Department provided many services and much assistance to ensure that this was a safe and successful event.  The NFL Super Bowl Counterfeiting Detail was formed to provide investigative assistance to Officials of the National Football League as well as Investigative Consultants representing approximately 89 various corporation trademarks.  While working with the ICE Contraband Smuggling Unit, this detail worked city-wide searching for counterfeiting and trademark violations. 

This NFL Counterfeiting Detail was formed just prior to the Super Bowl week and consisted of detectives from both the North and South Property Investigations Units.  Although these detectives had minimal experience in dealing with counterfeiting and trademark issues, excellent training was provided to them by Sergeants Mike Fulleton and Matt Siekmann as well as Detective Dave Lake.  Detective Lake also did a fine job of coordinating planning between the NFL Officials, Private Industry Representatives and the Phoenix Police Property Management Bureau; to ensure that the overall efforts
were organized and that arrangements had been made for storage of an anticipated large volume of evidence and seized property. 

Due to their extensive knowledge and prior experience in counterfeiting and pirating issues, Detective Lake acted as the lead investigator during this detail and Sergeant Fulleton acted as the primary lead supervisor.  Sergeant Siekmann provided much assistance as the direct liaison to the Joint Operations Command and coordinated the Counterfeiting Detail’s response to all incoming radio call requests from patrol, as well as requests for assistance by private industry representatives.  Sergeant Siekmann also responded with the Counterfeiting Detail and assisted at many of the scenes during the week. 

These Detectives worked strenuous twelve plus hour shifts throughout the week and many of these work shifts extended beyond fifteen hours or longer.  The week’s activity was highlighted by a search warrant on Monday, 01-28-08 at 1321 E. Washington and by four search warrants that were served on Saturday night, 02-02-08, at the Friendly Inn located at 201 N 7th Avenue.  Both search warrants netted numerous items of NFL counterfeit products such as various Super Bowl T-shirts, NFL and other sports jerseys and numerous items of counterfeit sports footwear and other apparel. 

Also, on 02-01-08, eighty-eight (88) retail store outlets were inspected resulting in the seizure of numerous other counterfeit items including thousands of pirated CD’s and DVD’s.  Also during the week 23 Civil Cease and Desist Orders were served on various vendors and retail stores who were selling counterfeit merchandise. 

The NFL Counterfeiting Detail made 20 arrests, served 5 search warrants and seized approximately $250,000 worth of counterfeit merchandise in Phoenix.  The total valley-wide counterfeit enforcement effort led to the seizure of $472,498 worth of NFL and other counterfeit merchandise.  These were approximate whole sale dollar amounts as the actual retail worth of the seizures was in the neighborhood of $800,000. 

This was a major accomplishment made possible by the outstanding teamwork and combined efforts of these listed supervisors and detectives while working with Federal Law Enforcement, other local agencies and Private Industry Representatives including National Football League Officials.  Congratulations -

Sergeant Mike Fulleton
Sergeant Jeff Yost
Sergeant Joseph Kalmbach
Sergeant Matt Siekmann                                                                               
Detective Dave Lake
Detective Kathy Magill
Detective Jeff Li
Detective Larry Espinoza
Detective April Flores
Detective Jolene Mangum
Detective Sean Clark
Detective John Day
Detective Larry Lattanzi
Detective Brian Guertin
Detective Frank Angel

Officers Win Super Bowl 4 on 4 Flag Football Tournament

The tournament was held on Super Bowl weekend as one of the many activities brought to the valley for the Super Bowl.  A group of officers from the Phoenix Police Department put a team in this tournament and ended up going undefeated throughout the tournament and capped it off by winning the championship game.  All the officers received autographed footballs and a photo with Torry and Terrance Holt for winning the tournament.  The officers on the team were as follows:

Ernie Pina - VCB
Alex Ortiz - VCB
Rudy Dominguez -VCB
Jason Scarpati - VCB
Kenny Mitchell – 800
Marty Rincon

Dodgeball Team Wins Gold Medal

The benefit was for MCSO employee (unsworn) David Lickwar and our own SAU Officer Brian Howe. A real close but ball park figure of the amount raised is approx just over $4,000. The team won first place in last years tournament (’06) and also this year in ’07. Thanks to Jason Hall this year’s tournament included Brian Howe. It was the third annual. The sponsors for the event are MCSO and M-59 which is Jason’s non-profit church group.

Dodgeball Team included -

Jason Hall
Christopher Trapp
Ernie Pina
JD Kurtis Merena
Brandy Villarreal
Ben Baltzer
Chad Jensen
Brian Issitt
Michael Bosworth
Dave Perkins

Bomb Detection K-9 Teams Honored by TSA

Three of the Bomb Detection K-9 Teams were honored by the TSA for their
assistance when a major equipment failure threatened to seriously hamper
operations right in the middle of the rush for Super Bowl patrons flying
out of the valley.  The teams worked very hard to keep things moving.

Armed Robbery Arrest

On January 2nd at 9:40PM, Officer James Sink #6440 and Officer Andy Baraciz #7428, from the Phoenix Police Department’s Transit Bureau, were on routine patrol near the bus stop at the Paradise Valley Mall, when they witnessed Daniel McFarland H/M 11/28/90 robbing a man at gunpoint at the Bank of America ATM. The officers gave commands to the suspect to drop the weapon. Upon hearing the officers, the suspect ran from the scene. The officers chased Mc Farland, containing him until other officers could assist with the arrest.

Through their investigation, the officers learned that the victim was an employee of one of the mall’s businesses. It appears that the suspect was surveilling the victim; thereby targeting him, because he was depositing the money from his business.

Officers Help Elderly Woman

Officers responded to the 1300 block of west Mariposa Avenue in regards to a call from an elderly female (91 years old) who reported that she had not eaten in a couple of days. Officers Steve Paul #5662 and Sidney Price #8020 contacted this elderly homebound woman and discovered that her food delivery service for the week had not come by her home. A check of the residence confirmed that she was out of food. The Officers attempted to make contact with the agency responsible for providing the food delivery but were unable to reach anyone due to it being a holiday weekend. Efforts by the officers to contact an agency that could provide food service were unsuccessful. The officers then decided to go to a local grocery store and purchase groceries with their own funds. Both officers took special care of this elderly woman in a companionate and caring manner and their actions truly make a difference in our community.

Taking Time to Listen
Squaw Peak Precinct

Summary: Sergeant Rodrigo Hernandez of the Squaw Peak Precinct met with the school principle of Orangewood Elementary School and was told about a student (Steven, 10 years old) who was missing too many school days and seemed to be experiencing some unknown personal problems. Steven was not opening up to the school staff and they were having a hard time dealing with him. Sergeant Hernandez requested Officer Mark Dolniak #6298 to contact Steven and spend time with him talking about anything and everything. During Officer Dolniak’s contact; Steven broke down, telling him that his mother died a few years ago and that he has no contact with his father. Steven stated that he lives with his Grandmother, Grandfather, and younger brother Danny. The grandparents have some personal issues and are not well equipped to take care for these two boys. Sergeant Hernandez and Officer Dolniak have maintained contact with Steven and have learned that he returned to a new school and has missed very little class time. On Saturday December 22, 2007, Officer Charles Baber # 6449 and Sergeant Hernandez purchased and presented Steven and Danny with gifts for Christmas and told them that they would continue to check on them to make sure they stay in school.

That’s What I’m Talking About
Squaw Peak Precinct

Summary: Officers responded to the 1300 block of west Mariposa Avenue in regards to a call from an elderly female (91 years old) who reported that she had not eaten in a couple of days. Officers Steve Paul #5662 and Sidney Price #8020 contacted this elderly homebound woman and discovered that her food delivery service for the week had not come by her home. A check of the residence confirmed that she was out of food. The Officers attempted to make contact with the agency responsible for providing the food delivery but were unable to reach anyone due to it being a holiday weekend. Efforts by the officers to contact an agency that could provide food service were unsuccessful. The officers then decided to go to a local grocery store and purchase groceries with their own funds. Both officers took special care of this elderly woman in a companionate and caring manner and their actions truly make a difference in our community.

Christmas Cheer from the 62J Squad

The 62J squad also spread special holiday cheer this year by adopting a family of refugees from the Congo (mom, dad and 6 kids). The squad purchased presents for everyone and then came in early the Friday before Christmas; wrapped the presents; and the delivered the gifts, along with dinner (turkey, potatoes, stuffing, etc.) to the family.

This was a well thought out event. The squad starting collecting money to adopt a family for the holidays back in September. Once a week, in briefing, they would have a 10 question trivia quiz on questions from Ops Orders, Title 28, Title 13, City of Phoenix facts, department history, and miscellaneous other topics of information. Everyone had to pitch in a dollar to play, and they upped the ante as it drew closer to Christmas. They all had fun; everybody learned something each week; and they were ultimately able to help a family in need at Christmas.

Central City Officers Give Gifts to Hacienda De Los Angeles Patients

Thursday, December 20th marked the eighteenth year that the Central City Precinct fulfilled the wish list for dozens of patients residing at the Hacienda De Los Angeles (located at 1402 E. South Mountain Ave).  Each year the patients from the Hacienda generate wish lists for items that they would like for Christmas.  The facility then gives the lists to the precinct and officers take the initiative to purchase the gifts. On this date, officers from the Central City Precinct brought presents, Santa Clause, and a caravan of police cars to the Hacienda.  They then sat with the patients and help them open their gifts.

The patients at the Hacienda De Los Angeles are all ages and suffer from severe physical and mental disabilities. 

Maryvale Precinct Adopts Two Families for the Holidays

Officers from the Maryvale Precinct helped the following two families during this holiday season.

Family #1

Officers from the Maryvale Precinct received information about a family in dire need from a teacher and the School Resource Officer at Atkinson Middle School.  This was a family of six (mom, dad, and four daughters ranging in age from 6 to 14 years old).  Fourteen year-old Elizabeth was diagnosed with a genetic condition known as cranial malformations, which left her paralyzed at the waist and confined to a wheelchair.  The mother, Margarita, recently had to quit her job to provide 24-hour care for Elizabeth, and Juan worked part-time as a construction worker earning $300.00 per week. This family was desperately in need of basic household items that many of us take for granted.  Officers contacted area businesses and received numerous household items for the family (including a new dryer, beds, crib, toys and clothes).
 
Family #2

While helping Margarita’s family, the officers discovered that Margarita’s mother, father, grandmother, brother, as well as her brother’s 3 children (4, 6, and 7 years old) were also in need of help.  Seven year-old Gabriela was undergoing treatment for leukemia. The home they all lived in did not have heat and space heaters were needed.  The fixed income the family earned barely covered their basic necessities, and as a result, the family was in need of clothes, toys and basic household items. 

The officers actively searched for donations to help these families. Their efforts were successful, and they were able to collect a vast amount of Christmas gifts, as well as numerous household items.  On December 20th, the officers, along with Santa Clause and a caravan of police cars, delivered presents and food from Saint Mary’s Food Bank to the families.

Cactus Park Officers Help a Family Find a Temporary Home

On December 18th, two officers from the Cactus Park Precinct were flagged down by a citizen who told them there was a family of seven living out of their Suburban at 26th Ave and Salter.  The officers went to this location and did in fact find a family living out of their car. During the conversation that followed, the officers discovered that the family was forced to live in these conditions until December 26, when they would have enough money to move into the Studio 6 (located at 18405 N. 27th Ave).  

The officers were concerned for the family, because Gary, the father, worked at Wal-Mart from 9:00pm to 7:00am, which left his wife and their five children (ages 14 months to 12 years old) in the car by themselves. In an effort to help the family find a safe, warm, temporary home, the officers pooled money together and arranged for them to stay at the Studio 6 until their scheduled move-in date. The officers also paid to have the family’s inoperable Suburban towed to the motel. 

91G Officers Give Young Girl a Bike for Christmas

Officers from the 91G squad helped bring Christmas joy to a 9 year-old girl who had suffered from years of abuse. The officers visit the little 9 year-old often and they have formed an emotional bond with her. To lift her Christmas spirits, they bought a bike she wanted for Christmas and gave it to her on December 24th.  

Central City Precinct Officers Help Family at Christmas

During their response to a domestic violence call, where the husband assaulted his wife in front of their kids and then left the house, Officer Pineda and Officer Stussy noticed that the family did not have any food in their house, gifts for the kids or a Christmas tree.  To bring happiness to this family, the officers immediately went to Food City and purchased groceries for the family. The next day, the officers visited the City’s Toy Drive and collected gifts for the four children.  Of course, their Christmas would not be complete without a Christmas tree, so the officers searched and found a special tree. They then delivered all of the items to the family the weekend before Christmas.