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Phoenix Police Officers Save 12 From Early Morning House Fire 02/12/09

It was just after 2 a.m., Thursday, February 12, 2009.  Phoenix Police Officer Aimee Knight-Fogel was on routine patrol in the area of 27th Street and Indian School when she saw a great amount of smoke coming from a residential area.  In just minutes, she found the source of the smoke; it was a residence and the smoke was pouring from the roof.  Knight-Fogel quickly called for assistance from Phoenix Fire and other patrol units in the area and, along with assistance from a neighbor who also witnessed the excitement, began knocking on the doors and windows of the residence.

Responding officers joined Officer Knight-Fogel in her efforts to awaken any residents.  They entered the home that was rapidly filling with smoke from the attic fire and were able to quickly assist the residents to safety.  At one point, a family member thought another member was still inside the house, spurring officers to enter the burning house again.  No one else was located inside and, at final count a total of three adults and nine children had been evacuated safely.  Another nearby residence that could have been threatened by fire was also evacuated by the officers.

Phoenix firefighters battled the fire.  The home had extensive upper structural and water damage. The family members are being assisted by the American Red Cross who also responded to the scene.

Commander Kim Humphrey receives Courage of Conviction Award

Kim Humphrey, Commander with the Phoenix Police Professional Standards Bureau and Sojourner Center Board President, has, for a long time, been a resounding voice for bettering our community as a leader, a domestic violence advocate, and protector of victim’s rights, which makes him a deserving candidate for this award.

Commander Humphrey has unknowingly been involved with the issue of domestic violence since his childhood. Kim’s mother fled a domestic violence situation after being hospitalized when her first husband (not Kim’s father) threw her through a plate glass coffee table. Fortunately, she was able to flee and start her life over. 

Later, as an adult, Kim began advocating for women and children affected by domestic violence as a police officer in downtown Phoenix. This was in 1982 when mandatory arrest laws were first being introduced as a protection measure for victims. Before then officers would respond to domestic violence calls by separating the parties involved, calming them down, and asking the male to leave for awhile to “cool off.”  This approach to providing safety seemed ineffective to Kim and he became increasingly frustrated that no one was held accountable. As a result, Kim has devoted much of his life to advocacy and education work regarding domestic violence.

Kim has gained a national reputation as an expert and trainer regarding law enforcement and domestic violence. Kim has created, written and advocated for training of all law enforcement personnel on domestic violence and how to best support those affected. His curriculum, Threats Management, has been used for over 10 years by the Phoenix Police Department.

Kim has also helped to initiate three major studies on domestic violence in collaboration with the police department and the Morrison Institute at Arizona State University. One study surveyed the attitudes of police officers and prosecutors towards the issue of domestic violence and its victims.

In addition, Kim assisted in the research, design, and implementation of the City of Phoenix Family Advocacy Center, an organization that provides advocacy, police support and other services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Kim also serves on the board of Homeward Bound, is a speaker for the Men’s Anti-violence Network (MAN), is a member and co-chair of the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Domestic Violence Council, has served on the Governor’s Commission to Prevent Violence Against Women, and was co-chair of the Phoenix Domestic Violence Task Force.

Kim joined Sojourner Center’s board of directors in 2003 and currently serves as President. During his tenure, Kim has implemented a plan to move the organization’s board from a fiduciary board to a strategic board, following the Governance as Leadership Board Model. Kim is also a part of the board’s efforts to start an endowment campaign to ensure long-term sustainability for Sojourner Center, knowing shelter is a critical service. Kim has also donated several hours of his time doing hands-on work for the organization, most recently building closets for the Hope Campus.

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 9-13, 2009 PROCLAIMED “PHOENIX EMPLOYEE REMEMBRANCE WEEK”

More than 14,000 employees comprise a workforce serving the residents of Phoenix.

Unfortunately, over the years, Phoenix has lost 67 of those employees in the line of duty. A Phoenix Employee Memorial was constructed and sits in the heart of a courtyard adjacent to Phoenix City Hall, surrounded by trees and beautiful fountains.

Tuesday, February 10th, City employees and surviving family members and friends filed into the Orpheum Theater where a short service included 67 names recited by respective union leaders.  This year, fallen Phoenix Officer Shane Figueroa was added to the list of names.  Public Safety Manager Jack Harris spoke of the 25 year-old officer’s brief but stellar career before he tragically was killed by a drunk driver on October 25, 2008.  The Phoenix Police Honor Guard and Honor Chorus participated in the ceremonies along with the Phoenix Fire Honor Guard Pipes & Drums.

“An Un-BEAR-ably Sweet Event!” 02/09/09

Kids, cops, and bears.  Normally, this combination might not have great results, but early Monday morning, February 9, 2009, it most certainly did!  Phoenix Police officers from the Squaw Peak Precinct joined kids from the Arizona Connections Academy at Stuffington Bear Factory in Phoenix and created a small bit of comfort for valley children who could find themselves in frightening and distressing situations.

Officers Dave Chambers, Aaron Stevens, Gerald Stuart and Detective Chris Wilson worked hand-in-heart with the students, grades K-8 to craft 25 adorable teddy bears.  The students presented the bears to the officers as a Valentine gift to the community.  Officers carry the soft and furry stuffed creatures in their patrol vehicles and—when an unfortunate occasion arises, use the bears to comfort children at various scenes they encounter.

According to the Arizona Connections Academy principal, Linda Harless, when the school children learned they would be taking a field trip to the bear factory, it was their idea to share the toys with children in need. As evident in the slideshow photos (below), it was unclear who enjoyed the experience more—the kids or the officers.  One thing is certain; all involved in the experience had un-BEAR-ably big hearts.

ALEA CLASS #447 RUNS IN MEMORY OF FALLEN PHOENIX OFFICER SHANE FIGUEROA #8485

Shane Figueroa joined the Phoenix Police Department on January 2, 2006, proudly wearing serial number #8485.  During the brief two years of duty, Shane earned the respect of his co-workers and the community as an officer who always strived to exceed the expected.  The night of October 25, 2008, Officer Figueroa was responding to a call when his patrol car was struck by a drunk driver in the intersection of 19th Avenue and Roeser. The 25 year-old police officer was killed, leaving behind his wife, Melisha, and infant daughter, Kenzlie. 

On Thursday afternoon, February 5, 2009, ALEA Class #447 gathered under an unusually warm Arizona sun to remember their fallen colleague.  They joined in a nearly seven mile run from the Academy to the site of Officer Figueroa’s collision where a brief memorial service was held.  It was attended by Figueroa’s family including Melisha, Kenzlie, and Shane’s parents (retired) Phoenix officer Cory Figueroa, mother Jeri Lynn, and siblings Austin, Brandson, and Cassidy. Class #447 presented a special banner to Figueroa’s widow and Cory Figueroa held little Kenzlie as he spoke of the family’s appreciation for continuing to remember Shane.

As the police Honor Guard stood at attention, a lone bagpiper droned the familiar “Amazing Grace” as many hugs were exchanged between family, friends, and colleagues.  ALEA Class #447 and other runners turned and began the long uphill trek back to the Academy, no doubt inspired by the event in which they had just observed and participated.

We will never forget them.

A New Bike For A Special Boy

When you are just a kid and your bike gets stolen, that’s bad enough.  But, for12 year-old Gaites Klein, it was just one more tough break during his young life.  Gaites has been undergoing treatment for a brain tumor and to add to their misfortune, his family’s home was recently burglarized. Phoenix Police Officer Bob Cummins, who happens to be a BMX racer, responded to the incident and decided to contact a local bike shop called “Gordy’s Bicycles.”  Shop owner, Kevin Bierworth, offered to donate a BMX bicycle to Gaites.  On January 21, 2009, Desert Horizon Precinct officers invited Gaites and his mom, Valarie, to the precinct where they surprised him with the new bike.  (Pictured in the photo l-r are: DHP Commander Geary Brase, Valarie Klein, Gaites Klein, Officer Bob Cummins, and Lieutenant Larry Giebelhausen.)

Phoenix Police Crime Lab Delivers 3,000 Gifts for U.S. Troops

Members of the Phoenix Police Department’s Crime Lab collected more than 3,000 gifts to send to U.S. deployed troops.  Partnering with Packages from Home, the police employees delivered the bags and boxes of gifts to the organization where everything was packaged securely and sent overseas.

Packages from Home was started by Phoenix resident, Kathleen Lewis, whose son, Christian, was a soldier with the Army’s 1st Infantry Division deployed to Iraq in March, 2004.  She began regularly sending care packages to him. During a phone call from Christian, he thanked her for all of the comfort items from home, adding that he was the only soldier in his squad that was receiving packages. Kathleen sprung into action and, along with friends, adopted his squad and began shipping packages to the men in his squad. The project took on a life of its own as more people heard about it and wanted to help.

Citizens got to see a softer side of law enforcement when police officers from Central City Precinct the Airport Bureau visited patients at the Hacienda Health Care Center. Armed with presents and smiles, Santa and his helpers handed out gifts to patients and residents of the facility, which provides services for medically fragile and chronically ill infants, children and young adults in Arizona.The visit is known as the Hacienda Christmas Project. Volunteer Coordinator Tara Ann Buettner says both staff and patients look forward to the visit every year. “They see the police as heroes so having them visit is kind of like having a superstar visit.”

This is the 19th year the Phoenix Police Department has participated in the Christmas project. Officers spend their own money and shop for individuals; ensuring every resident receives a gift.  Lieutenant Rob Settembre says, “It’s another side of police officers that we genuinely have in us. You come on this job and you want to do good things for people. It’s not always putting them in jail. It’s not always chasing them up an alley. Police officers have a tendency to want to help people. There’s just no better cause that I can think of than Hacienda.”

Everyone loves getting presents, but looking at all the faces, it’s evident that everyone loved the visitors as much as their gifts. Since there’s no shortage of volunteers, the Phoenix Police Department will continue the Hacienda Christmas Project as long as there are patients who need help. If you’d like to help, log onto their website at www.haciendahealthcare.org.

"When the community joins forces with local and state government, the business sector, and the military, a strong alliance is developed. A partnership is formed.” -- LAFB Fighter Country Partnership

Just ask Phoenix Police Lieutenant William Schemers who works within the department's Drug Enforcement Bureau. Nearly seven years ago Schemers became involved with a unique program that strives to bring the surrounding communities and members of Luke Air Force Base closer together. He was invited to be on their Fighter Country Partnership board of directors as a representative of law enforcement who could offer impartiality during the board"s decision-making issues.

The exchange program works on the same concept as the now familiar Citizen Police Academies that are prevalent in law enforcement agencies throughout the country. When citizens learn firsthand about the inner workings of an agency, they can better understand the needs and challenges that are faced by officers and in turn, become valuable, educated partners who help to keep the community a safer place to live. This concept is the foundation for LAFB’s Fighter Country Partnership. Lieutenant Schemers’ work on the board earned him the title of Honorary Commander, and with it came an opportunity to take an F-16 training flight.

Schemers’ took them up on their offer on Monday, December 1, 2008. It was an all-day event that began with one life-and-death-scenario after another. (You had to really want to do the flight after hearing those lectures!) It was lunchtime. Schemers only downed two power bars because, well, you know why. He had one more briefing before the “big moment” and he took a seat, joined by his wife, Kelly (a patrol officer assigned to Maryvale Precinct), two friends, and a photographer. More life-and-death stuff preceded a hilarious “training video” hosted by a popular comedian.

Then, it was time.

The slideshow photos will tell the rest of the story. It was a truly remarkable experience for Schemers—and, for his sidekicks. Excellent relationships and partnerships were formed that day between the acutely professional staff at LAFB and the excited visitors from the Phoenix Police Department.

*Click the "Play" button to view photos.

In the words of Lieutenant Schemers, “It was a chance of a lifetime! I now have a better appreciation of what our military does and how we can both relate to each other’s work.”

Arizona Police Officer Jennifer Moore Inducted Into IACP/DuPont Kevlar Survivors’ Club - 11/12/08

SAN DIEGO, Calif. Nov. 7, 2008 – The IACP/DuPont Kevlar Survivors’ Club®, an organization dedicated to reducing death and disability among police officers by encouraging the use of personal body armor, will induct City of Phoenix, Ariz., police officer Jennifer P. Moore into its membership during a ceremony at the 115th IACP Annual Conference, which begins Saturday in San Diego.

Officer safety is an issue of paramount importance; however, troubling information released by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) and Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) suggest that far too many police officers continue to be lost in the line of duty. According to these organizations, 2007 was the deadliest year for American law enforcement since 1989, except for 2001 when fatalities rose as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11. While the organizations noted a 41 percent decline in law enforcement fatalities during the first six months of 2008, preliminary data from July 1 - September 30, indicates 44 officer fatalities – a 10 percent increase over the same period last year.

“Since 1987 the Survivor’s Club has recorded more than 3,000 instances of law enforcement officers surviving potentially fatal or disabling injuries because they were protected by body armor,” said IACP President Ronald Ruecker, director of public safety, Sherwood, Ore. “This campaign demonstrates that body armor saves lives, but far too many law enforcement personnel – 40 percent according to our estimates – do not routinely wear this vital protective equipment. Our mission is to ensure that survival stories like Officer Moore’s inspire others to wear vests and encourage more departments to mandate their use.”

On June 28, 2008, Officer Moore and her partner conducted a traffic stop to investigate a vehicle for a license plate violation. The passenger exited the vehicle in violation of the officer’s instructions and became verbally uncooperative. The passenger was instructed to place both hands on his head and, when he did not comply, Officer Moore reached for his left hand and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, the passenger retrieved a handgun that had previously been hidden, firing one round at Officer Moore that passed through her right hand and hit her chest. Officer Moore’s body armor stopped the round. She was treated at a local hospital for her finger injury, but the body armor prevented any further pain, injury or bruising on her chest. “The vest I was wearing saved me from further serious injury,” said Officer Moore. “This experience shows that officers are at risk of serious injury even during routine procedures and that body armor can mean the difference between life and death.”
“Body armor is proven to be effective at enhancing officer safety, and it is imperative that departments throughout the nation encourage its use by their officers,” added Ronald McBride, law enforcement consultant for the IACP/DuPont Kevlar Survivors’ Club®. “The loss of a police officer is always tragic, making it imperative that we do everything we can to stop the risk of fatalities that could have been prevented through the use of a vest.”

The IACP and DuPont co-sponsor the IACP/DuPont Kevlar Survivors’ Club®. Comprised of officers who have survived potentially fatal or disabling injuries through the use of personal body armor, the organization pays tribute to those with the foresight to "Dress for Survival."

The IACP is the world's oldest and largest nonprofit membership organization of police executives, with more than 20,000 members in over 89 different countries. IACP's leadership consists of the operating chief executives of international, federal, state and local agencies of all sizes. The IACP is a leader in police management and executive training and is focused on changing the police culture toward greater safety awareness among the global police community. DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.


The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontÔ, The miracles of scienceÔ and the IACP/DuPont Kevlar Survivors’ Club® are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.

Miss Wheelchair Arizona, Gina Schuh, Visits Phoenix Police Department

She's happy, she's outgoing and gregarious, she’s assertive, and she’s determined. Gina Schuh, 22, the reigning Miss Wheelchair Arizona, spent a good part of the day learning firsthand about the workings of the Phoenix Police Department. She arrived at police headquarters mid-morning, along with a local television film crew who are video taping a segment on the dynamic young woman whose platform is raising awareness about the misuse and abuse of handicapped parking. After a tour of the new police Crime Lab, she was assisted into a squad car for a ride along with Phoenix Police Officer Wally Olson of the Traffic Bureau.

Just four years ago, at age 18, she was working through culinary school with dreams of becoming a chef, getting a dog and traveling the world. Then, a few months after moving to Tucson from California, she dove headfirst into a pool and broke her neck. After years of surgery and physical therapy, she has limited function in her hands and is paralyzed from the chest down. Being in a wheelchair was never a part of the plan, but she decided to change gears.

"I am proud to be a woman in a wheelchair. I am passionate about my platform and spreading information on disabilities. I have an extremely supportive family and fiancé. I love life and have loved all the opportunities that have presented themselves since my SCI. I am a determined, fun-loving person who is happy with who I am."

Gina now lives in Mesa and is working toward a law school and volunteering with the Mesa Partnership for Children with Special Health Care needs.

Stop Random Gunfire Poster Contest - 11/07/08

Over the past month, school districts within the City of Phoenix participated in the Stop Random Gunfire Poster Contest. This was the second year this contest took place. There were over 1,000 entries, ten times mores entries compared to last year. The entries were narrowed down to 25 finalists. On October 22, 2008, all 25 finalists were honored at City Hall. Mayor Phil Gordon and Chief Harris were present to honor each student. There was a special appearance by Baxter form the Diamondbacks and the Suns Gorilla. The students enjoyed the presentation. Three (3) of the 25 finalists were from the Creighton School District, located in the Squaw Peak Precinct. Each of the finalists received a $50 gift card to Target and a certificate. The grand prize winner received a trip for four to Disneyland. And the grand prize winner was. . . . Denise Bolanos, an 8th grader from Loma Linda School.

Pictured above: Ms. Barbara Damiani, Loma Linda School, Grand Prize Winner Denise Bolanos, and Sgt Lyn Butcher

Pictured in the middle: Sgt. Lyn Butcher, semifinalist Biana Garcia, Squaw Peak Elementary School, SRO from Squaw Peak Elementary School, Officer Tricia Jones

Pictured last: Semifinalist from Loma Linda School: Sgt. Butcher, Gerardo Resendez, 8th grader, and Officer Tricia Jones

Emma Groom Honored by Phoenix Police Museum

The street in front of the Police Museum at 101 S. Central was the site of a little traffic congestion Thursday morning, October 30, 2008. One lane had been blocked off and parked in front was a “scene gawker’s” dream; the new Museum exhibit trailer “wrapped” with depictions of Phoenix policing spanning the decades. Motorists waiting for the light change at Central and Jefferson had plenty of time to gaze at the west side of the trailer that had replicas of police cars from decades gone by to the newer vehicles recently driven by officers.

What they didn’t see was an event that was happening on the other side of the trailer. Eighty-eight year-old Emma Groom had driven in from Peoria at the request of Museum Curator and retired Phoenix Lieutenant Mike Nikolin and was thrilled to see her image and that of her then-partner, Jeanette Reed, depicted in giant size for all passers-by to see. Emma was one of the first four women uniformed police officers who served the Phoenix Police Department. Her more than 20 year career began in 1957 when women officers wore skirts and held to strict standards that banned any makeup or jewelry of any kind. She and her partner worked downtown. When asked by gathered media how she decided to become a police officer, she told of how she and her husband were having lunch one day with (then) Phoenix Police Chief Paul Blubaum. Much to her dismay, her husband grabbed the chief’s hat and put it on her head. Embarrassed, Emma apologized to the chief who turned to her and said, “Why don’t you see me next week about becoming a police officer; we need you out there.”

The rest, as they say, is history.

New Police Chaplain Takes Oath

Pastor Michael Richardson is the newest Police Chaplain serving the men and women of the Phoenix Police Department. Chaplain Richardson, joined by his wife, Carol, along with his son and one of his two daughters, was sworn in by Assistant Chief M.L. “Andy” Anderson in a ceremony held Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at Police Headquarters. Richardson began his police career as a secretary in the Family Investigations Bureau and then served as a sworn officer at Squaw Peak Precinct. Bi-lingual, Pastor Richardson has also served the public as pastor of Grace Community Church in Tempe, AZ, a non-denominational evangelical church. He has a Master’s of Divinity degree and Doctorate of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. Chaplain Richardson is assigned to the Family Investigations Bureau, Cactus Park Precinct, and Northern Command Station.