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Home
© ATAS/NATAS
2007
Rocky Mountain Religion Emmy® Award Winner for Breaking News/ Continuing
Coverage
2007 AVA Award
Arizona Press Club Winner
Ed Sharpe,
The Glendale Daily Planet:
Use of Online Media
"Cesar E. Chavez 2007"
Videographer Award
Bronze Omni
Media Achievement Awards
CouryGraph
Productions
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GLENDALE POLICE
DEPARTMENT
The
Glendale Police are seeking individuals who are looking for career like no
other. We are one of the fastest growing cities in the Valley of the Sun
and a progressive Police Department. We are home to the NFL Cardinals, NHL
Coyotes, Arizona Sting Professional Lacrosse Team and the Glendale Arena,
one of the nations top venues for concerts.
The City of Glendale has a population of over 240,000 and a Police
Department with an authorized staff of 395 Officers. We are growing fast
and so can your career with the Glendale Police Department.
The
Glendale Police Department is looking for Police Trainees/
Arizona Laterals/Out-of-State Laterals
and Reserve Officer’s:
For more information check out our
website: www.GlendalePoliceJobs.com
Salary Range:
$42,132
- $62,248 annual salary.
Shift differential pay is also available.
Minimum Qualifications
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must be a high school graduate or equivalent.
- Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of
graduation from the Arizona Law Enforcement Academy.
Special Requirements
- Must be in sound physical and mental health.
- Vision: Must have at least 20/80 vision,
correctable to 20/20 contact lenses or glasses; or 20/200 vision,
correctable to 20/20 with soft contacts.
- Hearing: Uncorrected hearing with no loss greater
than 25 db in the 500, 1000, 2000, or 3000 hertz frequencies.
- Rotating shift work is required and applicants
must have an Arizona Class D operator’s license at the time of
appointment.
- Must meet the City of Glendale hiring guidelines
on drug usage.
- Any involvement in felony related activity,
identified in a thorough background investigation and polygraph
examination is disqualifying.
623-930-2677 / 623-930-COPS
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Shooting and Collision -
Update
Arrest in
Shooting from 4300 Rose Lane
GLENDALE, Ariz.
– Glendale police detectives have made an arrest in the
case of a shooting that took place in the 4300 block of west
Rose Lane Sunday afternoon (7/13). John Bacon (w/m, 7/30/70)
was arrested at about 12:00 p.m. Tuesday (7/15) in the lobby
of a hotel where he was staying.
At about 3:25 p.m. Sunday, callers
reported that a truck had crashed into some palm trees on
the northwest corner of 43rd Avenue and Rose Lane. Upon
arrival, officers learned that the driver, James Traver (24
yrs, of Phoenix) had been shot prior to his truck crashing
into the trees. Traver remains in critical condition at a
local trauma center.
Investigators learned Traver was
leaving a residence at 4309 W. Rose Lane. As Traver was
driving away from the house John Bacon, for reasons that
remain unknown, emerged from the house and fired a handgun
several times at Traver, striking him once in the head.
Traver then crashed into the trees.
Having learned that Bacon might be
staying at the Premier Inn at 10402 N. Black Canyon Highway,
detectives conducted a surveillance on the hotel and took
Bacon into custody in the lobby when he came down to pay his
bill. Bacon claimed to have a medical condition, and was
taken to a local hospital. Upon his release, he will be
booked on one count of Aggravated Assault.
Investigators still plan to do
further investigation, and request that Bacon’s photo not
be published at this time.
The motive for this crime is unknown.
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Death
Investigation - two adults bodies discovered
inside a mobile home
GLENDALE, Ariz. – Glendale
police detectives are investigating the deaths of two adults
whose bodies were discovered inside a mobile home earlier today.
The bodies were badly decomposed, which complicates the
investigation. Definitive answers about their identities and
causes of death are dependent on laboratory work, which will
take place at the Medical Examiner’s Office later in the
coming week.
At 11:20 a.m. today (6/15), a
neighbor called requesting a welfare check at 7154 N. 68th
Drive. She stated the residents had not been seen for quite some
time, and she noted a foul odor emanating from the mobile home.
Responding officers found two deceased adult victims inside. The
bodies were badly decomposed. They do appear to have suffered
trauma, though an exact cause of death is still pending.
Investigators believe they know who the
victims are, but this identification must be confirmed through
medical means, and that process will take time. The
investigators are not seeking any suspects at this time. “I
know that everyone wants answers as quickly as possible,” said
Sgt. Jim Toomey. “However, in cases like this, the answers may
come more slowly than we would like. We need to have a great
deal of laboratory work done in this case, and it will take
time. It would be irresponsible for anyone to jump to any
conclusions about this case.”
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Suicide
GLENDALE, Ariz.
– Detectives from the Glendale, Arizona police department
are investigating the death of Glendaly Vigoreaux, a 44
year-old resident of Glendale. Although the case remains
open, both the police department and the medical examiner
have declared the death to be a suicide.
On Tuesday, July 15th, at 9:58
a.m., police officers responded to the home of Glendaly
Vigoreaux and Paul Hacker, located at 5152 W. Frier Drive.
Vigoreaux and Hacker are married, though Vigoreaux
maintained her maiden name. Hacker told responding officers
that he left home around 7:30 in the morning. When he
returned home a short time later, he found Vigoreaux, lying
on the floor, deceased. She had sustained a single bullet
wound to the head. A .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun was
located at the scene. Physical and forensic evidence is
consistent with the wound being self-inflicted.
The Maricopa County Medical
Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy and has ruled the
manner of death a suicide.
The reason for Vigoreaux’s
suicide is unknown.
The police report number in this
case is Glendale PD 08-77459
Double Murder Arrest -
Update
GLENDALE, Ariz.
– Glendale police detectives have made an arrest in the
case of a double murder that took place Tuesday night
(7/15). Timothy Bland (b/m 4/21/85), of Phoenix was arrested
this afternoon in Phoenix near 107th Avenue and Camelback
Road.
Timothy Bland (b/m 4/21/85)
At about 11:15 p.m. Tuesday night,
officers responded to numerous calls of shots fired in the
5000 block of North 58th Avenue. Upon arrival, they found
two men, Jean Bukuru and Celestin Nzobonimpa sitting in a
tan Dodge Durango. Both men had been shot multiple times,
and both men later died of their injuries. At the time, a
suspect was seen running away from the area.
Detectives learned that Bland and
Bukuru had an ongoing personal conflict over a girl. They
determined that Bland shot and killed Bukuru and Nzobonimpa
and believe that jealousy was the motive.
Bland was located near 107th Avenue
and Indian School Road on Thursday afternoon (7/17). He was
arrested and booked two counts of 1st Degree Murder, a
single count of Prohibited Possession of a Firearm and
Parole Violation Warrant.
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GLENDALE ASSISTANT FIRE
CHIEF RETIRES AFTER 33 YEARS OF SERVICE
GLENDALE, AZ. – After
serving 33 years in public service with the Glendale Fire
Department, Assistant Chief Dave Villalovos called it a
“career” by celebrating his retirement on June 19, 2008.
Villalovos, who was one of the state’s first paramedics and
hazardous materials technicians, was honored by Glendale Fire
Chief Mark Burdick, along with many past and present Glendale
Firefighters, family and friends at the City of Glendale Public
Safety building located in downtown Glendale.
“Chief Villa” took the opportunity to thank his family and
friends as he and many of his guest reminisced about several
calls and experiences that took place over the course of three
decades. Though many of the stories shared were different they
all underscored his professionalism, his knowledge, and his
ability to lead by example.
The Glendale Fire Department congratulates you, Chief Villalovos,
on your retirement, and thanks you for your professionalism,
leadership, and most of all, your friendship.
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“Let’s
Get Wet” – Water Education
and Training Event
C
hildren enjoyed hand stamping
a water safety
pledge
(GFD) Glendale AZ) On Saturday, June 14,
2008 the Glendale Fire Department teamed up with Re/Max Preferred
Choice, West Gate Center, The City of Glendale Parks and
Recreation, US Coast Guard, American Red Cross and others to bring
the “Let’s Get Wet” water education and training event to
Glendale children and families.
Children enjoyed activities such as the
Glendale Fire Department’s hand stamping water safety pledge and
touring the fire truck. Families also had fun with water,
including a dunk tank, water slides, and the fountain park at West
Gate Center. Most importantly, children and families were reminded
throughout the event about the importance of water safety.
The Glendale Fire Department continues to
remind citizens to keep layers of protection around water. Nothing
should ever replace eye to eye supervision of children around
water. In addition, everyone should learn to swim; those who can’t
swim should wear a life vest anytime they are near the water.
Also, have self-closing, self-latching pool fences and doors.
Finally, pool alarms and pool nets/covers also provide additional
layers of protection.
The Glendale Fire Department is thankful
for the support of the community in helping to get the water
safety message out to the public. We are especially grateful to
SRP Safety Connection for their sponsorship of our water safety
programs this season.
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SUV Drives
Into Lake... Glendale Firefighters to the Rescue!
GLENDALE, Ariz.
– Glendale Firefighters responded to a small lake near 59th
Avenue and the Loop 101 on Thursday, June 19th for a water
rescue. The 9-11 call came in just after 10AM. According to the
caller, someone driving a sport utility vehicle apparently drove
into a small lake and no one was coming out of the water.
Immediately a water rescue assignment was dispatched. Glendale
Fire Engine 151 happened to be a quarter mile away from the
incident as they were just about to return to their downtown
Glendale station after completing water rescue training for the
day.
Engine 151 and other fire crews arrived
moments after the call was dispatched. Firefighters were greeted
by two gentlemen who apparently jumped in the murky water to try
and help the person who was in the vehicle. They could not make
contact with anyone. Firefighters immediately dove in to the
water and located the fully submerged vehicle within seconds.
“There was zero visibility and once we found the vehicle we
had to carefully feel around to find out how it was placed at
the bottom of the lake,” said Glendale Fire Engineer Dave
Green. Green and fellow Glendale Firefighter Michael Higgins
were able to quickly reach the driver, an early 20’s female,
and immediately brought the unconscious women to the edge of the
lake where other firefighters were waiting to treat and
transport her to Arrowhead hospital using advanced life support
protocols. At last check, (Thursday, 06-20, 10:30am) she remains
in extremely critical condition.
“We finished water rescue training
and responded to this incident a few minutes later,” said
Glendale Firefighter Michael Higgins. “We continue to train
everyday because we really never know what call will come up
next,” Higgins added.
“We commend the two gentlemen who
tried to help this young lady,” said Glendale Firefighter
Daniel Valenzuela. “That is the human side to all of us but it
is important to remember the first thing anyone should do in
case of an emergency is call 9-11,” Valenzuela continued. “Trained
professionals are standing by 24 hours a day and are literally
just minutes from anywhere in the City of Glendale and
throughout the Valley,” Valenzuela added.
UPDATE
6/23/2008 The driver of the SUV that plunged into
the man made lake at 6000 W. Berhend Friday died last night
(6/22).
Her
name was Samantha Bencze (20, of Glendale). We are still
awaiting toxicology reports to ascertain if prescription drugs
may have contributed to the crash and her subsequent death.
police wish to stress that these toxicology results may be
inconclusive, and we may never know with certainty, what
causes the accident.
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GLENDALE POLICE
D.A.R.E. TRUCK WINS BEST IN CLASS AT WORLD OF WHEELS
GLENDALE, Ariz.
– The Glendale Police Department’s 2005 Chevrolet D.A.R.E.
(Drug Abuse Resistance Education) pick-up won 1st place at the
39th annual World Of Wheels car show held at the University Of
Phoenix Stadium this past weekend. (1/12-1/13)
The truck won best in class honors in
the conservative pick-up, 1988 thru 2005 category.
See
more article and photographs of this event in the
archives>>>>
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GLENDALE CHAPTER
LOCAL 493 FIREFIGHTERS TAKING A PRO-ACTIVE APPROACH TO
POOL SAFETY
WITH FREE POOL FENCES
 GLENDALE,
Ariz. – With pool season once again in sight Glendale
Firefighters, with the help of the Valley of the Sun United Way,
spent Saturday morning going door to door in a Glendale
neighborhood that has been impacted by drowning incidents over
the past several years. Firefighters and volunteers qualified
families with unfenced pools to receive a free pool fence.
Several others will have their pool fences repaired. The fences
and repairs will be done at no cost to families thanks to the
generosity of Valley of the Sun United Way and Iron Man Fence
Company.
Since 2000, 11
drowning incidents have been reported in the City of Glendale.
Approximately half of those incidents occurred in the 85301 zip
code. The 85301 neighborhood in which Saturday morning’s
efforts were focused is from 61st to 65th Avenues and from
Bethany Home Road to Missouri.
“Drowning incidents are
absolutely preventable,” said John Holland, Glendale Fire
Captain and Chapter Vice President of Local 493. “Drowning
incidents impact everyone involved from family members to the
firefighters who respond to these emergencies,” Holland
continued. “We appreciate the Valley of the Sun United Way and
Iron Man Fence Company for their help in bringing this valuable
service to the community,” said Captain Holland.
In total, 30 families will
either receive a new pool fence or have one repaired to meet
certain standards. “It’s a good feeling to know that the
chances of us responding to one of these homes for a drowning
incident were decreased today,” said Glendale Firefighter and
event co-chair Mark Herrmann.
More water safety
information can be found on the Glendale Fire Department website
www.glendaleaz.com/fire
For more information on the
Valley of the Sun United Way Adopt a Pool Fence Program, please
call 602 631-4800.
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| GLENDALE FIREFIGHTERS
RESPOND TO A 1ST
ALARM FIRE IN GLENDALE MARCH 7 |
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GLENDALE, Ariz. –
Glendale Firefighters responded to a strip mall near 67th
Avenue and Cactus for a 1st alarm fire. Firefighters were
notified of a potential fire when an alarm sounded in one of the
businesses in the strip mall. That alarm company called 911 to
have the property checked by firefighters.
When firefighters arrived,
they found no obvious smoke or flames in the area. Glendale Fire
Captain Alford and his crew continued to check all of the
businesses with the understanding that there may be a fire
somewhere in the strip mall.
When firefighters checked the MotoPhoto
on the west end of the mall, they found smoke and found active
fire inside the wall of the store. Glendale Engine 153 immediately
called for more resources bringing a 1st alarm response.
Firefighters made a quick and
aggressive fire stop. Two of the businesses, MotoPhoto and Silver
Q Billiards sustained damage.
Glendale Fire Investigators
narrowed the cause down to an electrical problem that may have
started with the bathroom exhaust fan of the MotoPhoto. The
damage estimate is $5,000. Two sprinklers were activated which
kept the fire to a minimum in the attic space.
The Glendale Fire Department
promotes the use of sprinkler systems and smoke alarms. Safety
information can be found on the Glendale Fire Department website www.glendaleaz.com/fire |
GLENDALE FIRE CHIEF
FEATURED ON COVER OF INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE
GLENDALE, AZ.
– Glendale Fire Chief Mark Burdick was featured in January 2008 issue of Fire Chief Magazine for the first of a two part article
which highlighted the Glendale Fire Department’s role in a
regional effort to assure fire suppression, prevention, emergency
medical and special operations (hazardous materials and technical
rescue) response planning during Super Bowl XLII. Part two of the
article will be featured in the March issue of Fire Chief Magazine
and will detail the execution of the overall plan and the lessons
learned.
Fire Chief Magazine was established
in 1956 and reaches more than 200,000 readers on a monthly basis.
More information on Fire Chief Magazine can be found on their
website, WWW.FIRECHIEF.COM
Mark Burdick began his
career as a Glendale firefighter/paramedic in 1983, and rose
through the ranks to become fire chief in 2002. He received his
Chief Fire Officer Designation from the Center for Public Safety
Excellence in 2007. More information on Chief Burdick and the
Glendale Fire Department can be found on the fire department’s
website, www.glendaleaz.com/fire
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GLENDALE
YOUTH WINS AWARD
FOR
911 CALL
Tim Brown of the Oakland Raiders,
Deja Hanley and Dispatcher
Cassie Gaarder.
GLENDALE, Ariz.
On May 25, 2007 a Glendale youth name Deja Hanley came home
to her residence to find it being burglarized by two unknown
subjects. Deja, who is
14 years old, immediately went to a neighbor’s house to call 911
and spoke to a Glendale Police Dispatcher and relayed the details so
that it could be passed to responding officers.
Officers subsequently located the subjects and charges were
filed.
On February 2nd, 2008 Deja’s
heroic efforts were recognized by the dispatcher, Cassie Gaarder,
for an award from the 911 for Kids.
This award and a medal were presented to Deja at the
Scottsdale Fashion Mall during an event that was sponsored by the
NFL Wives Club. The
award was presented by spokesman Tim Brown of the Oakland Raiders.
Dispatcher Cassie Gaarder accepted an award with Deja.
LISTEN
TO WAV FILE OF DEJA'S 911 CALL
The Institution of Fire
Engineers Announce Glendale Fire Chief Qualifies as a New Member
 GLENDALE,
AZ. – The
Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), with headquarters in the
United Kingdom, and its subsidiary, the United States of America
Branch announce that Glendale Fire Chief Mark Burdick has been
accepted into membership in the international fire engineering
organization. Chief Burdick met stringent admission requirements
and criteria including academic qualifications, professional
qualifications and fire service qualifications to qualify for
membership. He joins more than 10,000 members worldwide in 23
countries who promote the study and development of the fire
engineering discipline.
There are six grades of membership to
aspire with Student (1) being the entry level and Fellow (6) being
the most advanced level. Each level in between denotes a higher
degree of qualification. Chief Burdick qualified as the Member (MIFireE)
level which is the fifth category level.
The Institution’s objective is to
promote, encourage and improve the science and practice of Fire
Extinction, Fire Prevention and Fire Engineering and all
operations and expedients connected therewith, and to give an
impulse to ideas likely to be useful in connection with or
relation to such science and practice to the members of the
Institution and to the community at large.
The US Branch objective is National in
Service—International in Scope—providing the US Fire Service
with access to the global fire and engineering community.
Through professional seminars,
conferences, an e-mail and Internet website, members interact with
peers from around the world to improve their personal and
professional stature—skills, knowledge and competencies. It is
this global aspect that makes membership in the IFE a unique
experience.
Fire Chief Mark Burdick has been with the
Glendale Fire Department for 25 years, serving as Fire Chief for
the past 5 years. Chief Burdick has also been recognized as a
Chief Fire Officer (CFO) by the Commission of Professional
Credentialing in 2007. He resides in Glendale with his wife of
eleven years and his two daughters.
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Window Washers Fall
From
Glendale Office Building
GLENDALE, Ariz.
– Earlier today in Glendale, a tragic accident took the life of
one man and seriously injured another, when they fell three stories
while washing windows at a building in downtown Glendale. An
investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.
At 7:28 a.m. 1/18/2008, Glendale police
and fire units responded to the Bank of America building, located at
5800 W. Glenn Drive. Three witnesses reported that two men who were
washing windows on the south side of the building had fallen to the
ground and were badly injured. The witnesses provided first aid
until fire crews arrived. The two victims were transported to local
trauma centers but, regrettably, one of the men died due to
extensive head trauma. The other man is listed in serious condition,
though he is expected to survive.
The deceased victim was identified as
Victor M. Leija (1/23/56), of Phoenix. The second victim is Forrest
Stockman, a resident of Phoenix. He remains in critical
condition at a local hospital.
Investigators from OSHA and the Glendale
Police Department are working jointly to determine what caused the
accident.
Aerovac
taking off from down town This helicopter transported the two
victims to local trauma centers. B of A in rear right.
Photo by:
Mike Conlin
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GLENDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT
ANNOUNCES
2007 FIREFIGHTER
OF THE YEAR
 GLENDALE,
Ariz. –The
Glendale Fire Department has named Assistant Fire Chief Jim
Higgins as its Firefighter of the Year for 2007. The
announcement came Friday, March 14th, during the Glendale Fire
Department’s 21st Annual Awards Banquet.
Assistant Chief Higgins, a twenty-eight
year veteran, was nominated for his work and dedication towards
the state of the art Glendale Regional Public Safety Training
Center. With much class, he gave thanks to his family, highlighted
the actions of others who were also nominated for the award and
encouraged everyone in the organization to continue to take care
of each other. His humble acceptance of the award called for a
standing ovation as he joined his wife off stage.
Part of his nomination read, “The men
and women of the Glendale Fire Department have all shared in the
pride that is reflected in one of the most incredible training
facilities in the state, if not the Country. No one will ever know
how much of what is there today is the direct result of Jim
Higgins refusing to compromise, refusing to accept less, and
absolutely committed to representing what he cares for the most;
not just the name of the Glendale Fire Department, but the people
who represent it.” Congratulation Chief Higgins on the well
deserved title of Glendale Fire Department’s 2007 Firefighter
of the Year!
Other awards given at the department’s
21st Annual Awards Banquet;
Service Award: The Support Services/IT
Support Division
Service Award (Non-Sworn): Glendale
Fire Department Cadets Volunteers
Chief Don Heatwole Award: Deputy Chief
Carl Austerman
Fire Chief’s Award: Deputy Chief
Darrell Johnston
Community Service Award: Firefighter
Jeremy Krossman
Professional Service Award – EMS:
Engineer Mike Patten
Fire Pal of the Year Award: Robert
Krayeski
Crisis Response Volunteer of the Year
Award: Billy Lucas
Glendale Volunteer Fire Cadet of the
Year Award: Paul Thomson and Tony Rivera
Call of the Year Award: Engine 158-
Captain Crystal Sorensen, Firefighter Kelly McInroy, Firefighter
Miguel Sanchez, Firefighter Byron Ely Jr.
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| Firefighters
from Germany and Glendale Arizona meet. |
| Glendale’s first female
firefighter, Valeri Eddings, 53 top, met one of Germany’s
firefighters, Julia Gauweiler, 23, during her tour of
the Glendale
Regional Public Safety Training Center 4/10/2008
Photo by Ed Sharpe - 4/10/08 |
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Front
- Julia Gauweiler, German Firefighter with her mother,
Ulrike, visiting her older sister, Manuela and Jack Webb (back)
who live in Arizona.
Training Division Chief Alex Morales took
the visitors on a tour of the
Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center
(bottom Left)
Photo by Ed Sharpe - 4/10/08 |
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Training Division Chief Alex Morales
took the visitors on a tour of the Glendale
Regional Public Safety Training Center.
Julia Gauweiler holds a tank made
from composite materials for lightness while Alex Morales
demonstrates the breathing mouthpiece.
(Left)Manuela
and Jack Webb, who Julia was visiting in Arizona, accompanied
Julia on the tour.
Photo by Ed Sharpe - 4/10/08 |
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Germany’s
firefighter, Julia Gauweiler (23) looks down from
the top story of the training tower during her
tour of the
Glendale Regional Public Safety
Training Center as a student goes though the paces for
two instructors shown at right. |
Photos by Ed Sharpe - 4/10/08 |
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BI
RELEASE
America
’s Most Wanted Arrested - In Glendale!
,
age 32, of
Golden Valley
,
Minnesota
.
(From
FBI Release) On April 20, 2008, the Phoenix FBI Fugitive Task Force and
the Glendale Police Department arrested Robert Gaye without incident in
Glendale
,
Arizona
. Gaye is wanted by
Hennepin
County
in
Minnesota
for Criminal Sexual Conduct in the first degree related to the alleged
sexual assault of a nine year old girl on May 2, 2006, in
Golden Valley
,
Minnesota
. A federal criminal complaint was filed on February 4, 2008, in
U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, charging Robert Gaye with
Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution based on a local complaint filed on
May 15, 2006, in Hennepin County District Court,
Minneapolis
,
Minnesota
.
Gaye
was featured on
America
’s Most Wanted, on Saturday, April 20, 2008, as one of “Fifty
Fugitives from Fifty States.” The FBI’s Minnesota Fugitive
Task Force had previously developed information that Gaye may be in the
Phoenix
area and provided this information to the Phoenix FBI office.
The Phoenix FBI Fugitive Task Force is comprised of the Maricopa
County Sheriff’s Office, the Mesa Police Department, the Scottsdale
Police Department, and the FBI. Gaye was booked into the Maricopa
County Sheriff’s Jail on April 20, 2008, and is awaiting extradition
back to
Minnesota
.
Phoenix FBI Special Agent in Charge stated, “This case exemplifies how
effective law enforcement task forces work to apprehend individuals such
as Gaye to bring them to justice.”
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Everyone’s Child
By: Lisa Kutis, M.ED.
Community Relations
Coordinator
Glendale Fire Department
When the sirens wail and the news breaks
that a child has drowned, everyone’s heart sinks…that child
becomes everyone’s child. The temperature is climbing in the
Valley of the Sun, and swim season is well underway. The Glendale
Fire Department is striving to remind the public of the tragedy of
drowning.
We hear water safety messages over and
over again. They are on the news almost daily, on billboards, and
in brochures. Unfortunately, we sometimes grow complacent and tune
them out. Glendale firefighters are asking for your help in
avoiding complacency. We all need to remember that drowning is a
leading cause of death and permanent brain injury to young
children.
According to the Arizona Department of
Health Services and the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Central
Arizona, there were 52 fatal drowning in Maricopa County in 2007,
14 of those were children. Tragically, the first fatal drowning of
2008 occurred on May 7, 2008 in Glendale.
“Our hearts ache for the loss of this
child and everyone impacted by this tragedy,” said Glendale Fire
Chief Mark Burdick. “We must do everything we can to raise water
safety awareness for the sake of our children,” Chief Burdick
added.
The Glendale Fire Department is working
tirelessly to bring the water safety message to each and every
household. Most importantly, have layers of protection!
Start with eye to eye adult supervision. If a child can’t swim,
he or she should be in a life vest whenever around water. Also,
teach non-swimmers how to swim. The City of Glendale offers free
and low cost swimming lessons thorough the Parks and Recreation
department.
Currently, educators with the Glendale
Fire Department are striving to bring water safety programs into
all Glendale Head Start programs, preschools, and daycare centers.
We want to teach parents the importance of water safety and how to
be wise around water. We want to teach the water safety rules to
children as well. Glendale Fire Department personnel have visits
scheduled to local libraries as well as community events
throughout the next few months. Visit the Glendale Fire Department
website for a listing of upcoming water safety events. Remember,
when a child drowns, that child
becomes everyone’s child.
GLENDALE
CONDO FIRE FRIDAY, May 9, 2008
12:15PM
45TH Ave.
McLellan, Glendale, AZ.
Smoke
Detectors Save Lives - $40,000
estimated damage
(GFD) Firefighters say smoke alarms
helped save an elderly couple on Friday, May 9th. At approximately
12:00 PM. the couple stated they heard a loud “boom” and a few
seconds later, their smoke alarms sounded indicating there was a
problem. They immediately got out of their home and neighbors
called 9-11.
Firefighters arrived to their home, near
45th Avenue and McLellen in Glendale, just three minutes after the
call was made and found the family’s garage to their condominium
fully involved in smoke and flames. Glendale and Phoenix
Firefighters immediately engaged in an aggressively fought fire.
The command officers and firefighters on the fire ground quickly
implemented and carried out a well thought out strategy which
saved much of the home and kept the fire from destroying nearby
homes.
At this time the cause of the fire is
undetermined however, fire investigators say the estimated damages
are $40,000. Smoke alarms did exactly what they were meant to do
in this case. They sounded which alerted this couple to get out
and that’s exactly what they did. They got out, neighbors called
9-11 and they stayed out. The Glendale Fire Department reminds
everyone in the community to check your smoke alarms and practice
your escape plans because you never know whey you’ll have to
rely on them.
The Glendale Fire Department offers these
tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA),
Install
new batteries in all alarms once a year or when the alarm
chirps to warn that the battery is dying.
Test
units at least monthly. Test the units using the test button
or an approved smoke substitute.
Clean
the units, in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions.
Do
not use an open-flame device for testing because of the danger
the flame poses.
Smoke
alarms should be placed outside each sleeping area and on each
level of the home, including the basement.
In
new homes, smoke alarms are required in all sleeping rooms,
according to the National Fire Alarm Code.
Alarms
should be mounted on the wall 4-12 inches from the ceiling;
ceiling-mounted alarms should be positioned 4 inches away from
the nearest wall. On a vaulted ceiling, be sure to mount the
alarm at the highest point of the ceiling.
More Safety information can be found on
the Glendale Fire Department Website, www.glendaleaz.com/fire
or the National Fire Protection Association’s website,
www.nfpa.org
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FIVE NEW GLENDALE
FIREFIGHTERS GRADUATE FROM STATE OF THE ART FACILITY
(GFD) GLENDALE, AZ.
– Five recruit firefighters from the Glendale Fire Department
graduated from the training academy on May 10, 2008. The
recruits have spent the past twelve weeks at the Glendale Regional
Public Safety Training Center preparing to become fire and rescue
first responders. The training includes the most up to date
tactics for firefighting and Emergency Medical Services. Glendale
recruits Josh Gibson, Danny Senese, Gene Tracy, Travis Smith and
Kyle McQuaid were part of a larger class of 25 recruits
representing fire departments from Glendale, Goodyear and
Surprise. Class 08-1, also known as the “Westside Knights” is
the first class to graduate from the new Glendale Regional Public
Safety Training Center in 2008. The graduation ceremony took place
on Saturday, May 10th at 10 a.m.
at Crosspoint Christian Church located at 8600 West Glendale
Avenue in Glendale.
|
GLENDALE PARK’S NEW
LIGHTING SYSTEM
PROVIDES SAFETY AND
SAVES RESOURCES
GLENDALE, Ariz.
– Glendale’s Hidden Meadows Park received much needed
security lighting using a system not yet utilized in Glendale’s
parks before—solar.
In 1994 the Glendale Parks and
Recreation Department developed Hidden Meadows Park, 76th and
St. John avenues, as a community park with playground equipment
and picnic tables and ramadas. At the time of construction,
lighting was not included, but over the past several years city
staff received requests from nearby residents for lighting to
enhance activity visibility and help deter vandalism.
In June 2007, park manager Eugene Kraus
began investigating lighting options for the park. Kraus and
deputy director Karen Hesser visited several local sites where
solar lighting had been installed and a decision was made,
supported by Councilmember Steven Frate, to try an alternative
to the standard electric lighting. The alternative was to use a
solar power lighting system.
The solar system is not only energy
conserving, but was also a substantial cost savings. The costs
of establishing grid lighting with an electric meter and
on-going monthly electric costs was estimated at over $100,000;
while the cost for the entire solar system with installation was
just less than $12,000.
The park has four separate light
systems. The two ramadas received a unit to provide light to the
shelter areas and another system was installed along the walkway
between the ramadas. The walkway system includes motion sensors
that are active after 10 p.m. until dawn. If the lights are
activated between those hours, anyone nearby can see someone is
in the park. Another system was installed at both of the
playground features.
Park rangers and police can now see
into the park during their evening patrols, and park users may
use the park into the evening hours with the help of Arizona’s
wonderful sunny days.
|
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2008
Glendale Water Safety Day
at Rose
Lane Pool, 5003 W Marlette Ave.
Article under
construction.
This
event was sponsored by Glendale Fire Department, Glendale Parks and
Recreation and
Southwest Ambulance. At 1pm, Southwest Ambulance presented
the Mayor with a check for $5,000 which will go towards free
swim lessons.
There
was also Static Apparatus Display. Several partners with safety
booths and
a Glendale
Fire Safety Clown.
Immediately following the check presentation,
there was a mock drowning scene which includes the patient being
airlifted by HALO-151 to simulate transport to a local
hospital. Since 2000, on average approximately 20 children
have died each year due to drowning in Maricopa County.
Photo by Bette Sharpe
Photo by Bette Sharpe
Photo by
Ed Sharpe
As
we all know these drowning calls affect the entire community and are absolutely
preventable. We hope you will continue to join us as we continue our efforts to
raise water safety awareness.
Photo by
Ed Sharpe
Photo by Bette Sharpe
Photo by Bette Sharpe
Photo by
Ed Sharpe
KKAT-IPTV
/ Glendale Daily Planet Reporter Ed Sharpe Clowns Around!"
Photo by Bette Sharpe
Photo by Bette Sharpe
Media
friends from Chan. 33 were there also! Photo by
Ed Sharpe
Photo by Bette Sharpe
|
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Car Thieves
Are Taking the Bait!
Bait Car and Watch Your
Car Programs Pay Dividends in Glendale
GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Glendale Police
Department’s Auto Theft Unit has been scoring successes lately
with their use of several bait cars. Altogether, the unit has
logged 18 bait car arrests in 2008, and 33 since June of 2007.
Seven arrests occurred within a six day period. The Patrol Bureau
also arrested two suspects as a direct result of the Watch Your
Car program. Here are some of the recent highlights of the
department’s auto theft activity:
> May 17th, Watch Your Car traffic
stop. Two arrests.
> May 28th, bait car taken from 7500
W. Glenn Dr. Three arrests.
> May 30th, bait car taken from 5900
W. Oregon Ave. One arrest.
> May 31st, bait car taken from 5000
N. 55th Ave. One arrest.
> June 2nd, bait car taken from 6800
W. Myrtle Ave. One arrest.
> June 2nd, bait car taken from 6000
W. Keim Drive. One arrest.
“Of course, we’re very pleased that
the program is working so well and we have been able to make these
arrests,” said auto theft Sgt. Brandon Blanco. “It was amazing
to us and frankly, kind of shocking, that so many people would not
hesitate to take someone else’s car,” he added.
Glendale PD’s bait car program dates
from 2004. The cars were provided by the National Insurance Crime
Bureau (NICB) and State Farm Insurance Company. The costs of the
program are primarily funded by the Arizona Automobile Theft
Authority (AATA). The AATA also administers Arizona’s free,
voluntary Watch Your Car decal program, which operates between 1
am - 5 am daily and authorizes law enforcement to stop vehicles
during program hours to verify the rightful owner is driving.
On May 17th, Glendale Police stopped a
vehicle at 2:15 a.m. after the officer learned the vehicle was
enrolled in the Watch Your Car program. The car had, in fact, been
reported stolen a few days prior. The driver and passenger of the
stolen vehicle were arrested. The vehicle was recovered and
returned to the victim. “This Watch Your Car recovery is due to
the diligence of the vehicle owner in wanting to protect their
vehicle and the Glendale officer for making the stop and
subsequent arrest,” stated Enrique Cantu, AATA Executive
Director.
The AATA and its statewide law
enforcement partners encourage Arizona residents to take extra
precautions to secure their vehicles through a “layered
approach” to protection. The more layers on your vehicle, the
tougher it is to steal.
For more tips on how to keep your vehicle
safe, check out: http://www.glendaleaz.com/police/education.cfm#Tips.
To learn more about the Watch Your Car Program or to enroll
on-line, visit www.azwatchyourcar.com.
|
Missing Elderly Man (See
update below)
GLENDALE, Ariz.
– The Glendale Police Department is asking for help in
locating an 89 year-old man who was last heard from at 4:45
p.m. on Tuesday (6/10). The man’s name is Walter John
Jones. His photo is attached. It should be noted that there
are no signs of foul play, but it is unusual for him to be
out of touch for two days.
Mr. Jones lives in the Glencroft
Retirement Community near 67th Avenue and Butler Drive in
Glendale. Walter left his residence unsecured, and left his
wallet, ID, medications, and oxygen at home. He did take his
vehicle and a debit card. “Walter is certainly entitled to
take off for a couple days if he chooses to,” said
Detective Mario Sanchez. “However, this behavior is out of
character for him. Add to that the medications and oxygen
left behind, and his family and friends are understandably
anxious about his welfare,” Sanchez said.
Walter is an 89 year-old white
male. He is 5 foot 6 inches tall and weighs 170 pounds. He
has gray hair and wears glasses. We do not know what
clothing Walter may be wearing. He drives a white 2000
Oldsmobile Silhouette mini-van bearing Arizona license 297
XJA. The van has Marine Corps stickers on the rear.
Anyone with information about Walter is
asked to call the Glendale Police at 623-930-3000.
Missing Man Returns Home
GLENDALE, Ariz. – The family
of Walter Jones, who had been missing since Tuesday
afternoon (6/10) is happy to report that at about 11:40 this
morning (6/14), Walter drove back into the parking lot at
the Glencroft Retirement Community. Walter was weak and a
bit lethargic, but otherwise in good health.
While police and the family are
still investigating everything that occurred, early
indications are that Walter decided on the spur of the
moment to take a bus to Omaha, Nebraska, which was a
frequent staging point during his time in the Marine Corps.
He told his family he went to Omaha, rested for a while, and
then caught a bus back to Phoenix. Obviously, the family is
relieved to have him safely returned, and wishes to thank
the media for their help in covering his disappearance.
Walter has been removed from missing
persons files and the various alerts have been cancelled.
GLENDALE
FIRE DEPARTMENT PASSED ON LIFE SAVING SKILLS TO HOSPICE
VOLUNTEERS AND RESIDENTS AT
GLENCROFT OF GLENDALE
Photo:
Glendale AZ Firefighter/PIO Daniel Valenzuela demonstrates technique
to a resident.
 GLENDALE,
Ariz. – Approximately 80 Hospice of the Valley Volunteers
and Glencroft of Glendale residents were the latest to receive
training on the life saving technique, CCC or continuous chest
compressions.
The
Glendale Fire Department was on-site at Glencroft, located at
67th Avenue and Butler Drive in Glendale, on Friday, March 28th
and taught the latest CCC curriculum which includes; (1) proper
use of the 9-11 system, (2) CCC, and (3) the use of the AED
(automated external defibrillator).
Though
the curriculum is split in three parts, it highlights the
importance of CCC. CCC has been a hot topic in many media
stories locally and nationally as survival rates continue to
increase.
“CCC-CPR
has a documented higher survival rate in adults who suffer from
cardiac arrest. Glendale Fire is doing as much as possible to
train as many people as possible on the new method which focuses
solely on chest compressions and not the mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation associated with traditional CPR,” said Glendale
Fire Chief Mark Burdick. “Also, typically people are more
likely to get involved and help if they know it is as easy as 1)
calling 9-11 and 2) simply do chest compressions until
firefighters arrive,” Chief Burdick continued.
With the help of
Midwestern University, the Glendale Fire Department teaches a
free CCC/CPR class to anyone interested in learning. The next
class will be held at the state of the art Glendale Regional
Public Safety Training Center located at 11550 N. Glendale
Avenue in Glendale. The two hour course begins at 7p.m. Walk-ins
are welcome and seats can be reserved on the SHARE (Saving
Hearts in Arizona Registry & Education) website, www.azshare.gov
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| The
Glendale Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 12 presents:
GLENDALE
PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY
Mav 22nd. 2008 |
 |
| |
 |
Rob Hawkins, President of
the Glendale Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police welcomed
the attendees: "Good morning and welcome to the Fraternal
Order of Police's annual Police Officers Memorial
Ceremony. I'd like to thank all of you for coming to join me as we
show our support for those officers who have paid the ultimate
sacrifice in performance of their duties." |
| City
officials in attendance were: Mayor
Elaine Scruggs, Vice-Mayor Manny Martinez,
Councilmember Joyce Clark, Councilmember
Phil Lieberman, Councilmember Steve Frate,
Councilmember David Goulet, Councilmember
Yvonne Knaack and Mr. Ed Beasley, City Manager along with other
members of the City management team.
Invocation: was given by Darlene Danniger,
Glendale Police Chaplain
|
The
Glendale Police Department's Honor guard posts the colors.
GPD Pipe and Drum Corps. - Play America the
Beautiful
and the National
Anthem was sung by Detective Jeff Daukas.
Rob Hawkins, President of the
Glendale Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police shared with us:
"On May 5th of this month, the State Memorial
service was held at Wesley Bolin Plaza. There were five new names added to
the Memorial wall. There are now 292 names of officers from Arizona who
have given their life in the line of duty.
This past week, the National Law Enforcement
Memorial was held in Washington DC. There were 186 new names placed on
that memorial. The total number there now stands at 18,274. At the current
rate of additions, there will be no more space available on the current
Memorial after the year 2050.
In conjunction with these larger ceremonies, here
at Glendale, we hold a ceremony to honor our fallen brothers and sisters.
This is our 7th annual memorial to remember those who have fallen and
those who continue to serve to protect our communities.
I get asked a lot why we hold a ceremony here at
the local level when there are much larger ceremonies each year at the
State and National level.
My answer to that is simple. As President of our
Local FOP Lodge, I feel it is my duty to continually honor those who have
paid the ultimate sacrifice while performing their duty. I want to give
our people the opportunity to remember those who have fallen since the
majority of them do not get the chance to go to one of the
"larger" ceremonies.
In addition, I want each of our officers to know
that not only do they have my gratitude and support as they go about their
daily duties, but each and everyone of you are telling them the same thing
by being here today.
For that, I thank you.
To start our program today, I'd like to have our
Chief, Steve Conrad come forward and say a few words. Chief Conrad had the
opportunity to attend the National Service last week. We have prepared a
slight slide presentation from last week that I will share with you in a
moment. Chief:"
 In
1962, President Kennedy designated May 15th
as National Law Enforcement Officer’s Day and the calendar week in which
May 15th falls as National Police Week. In 1991, the National Law
Enforcement Memorial, located in Washington, DC, was opened and dedicated.
The memorial offers a place for all of us to respect, honor and remember
those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their communities.
There are 18,274 names of fallen law
enforcement officers engraved on the walls of the memorial. This year, 358
names were added. 177 of these names were of officers who were killed at
some point in the past, between 1816 and 2006. Research into the
circumstances of their deaths was required before their names could be
added. The remaining 181 names that were added represented the officers
who lost their lives in 2007. Officer Tony Holly was one of the names
added this year.
 Last
week, 27 members of the department, including myself, traveled to
Washington to participate in the Police Week ceremonies. We were joined by
16 members of Tony Holly’s family. We were also joined by four members
of Sergeant Pat Campbell’s family. Pat, whose name was added to the
memorial in 1986, lost his life in the line of duty in 1985.
Approximately 20,000 people attended the
candlelight vigil, which was held on Tuesday evening at the National Law
Enforcement Memorial. Speakers included US Attorney General Michael
Mukasey. Stories were shared about some of the officers who died and on
the impact they had on those left behind.
On Thursday afternoon, an even larger
crowd attended the National FOP Law Enforcement Memorial Service, which
was held on the Capital Lawn. Elaine Chao, the Secretary of Labor, was the
keynote speaker. She spoke of the importance of law enforcement in our
society, and expressed support for the families who had lost a loved one
during 2007. A “roll call” of fallen officers was read as each family
added a red carnation to the memorial wreath.
 All too often we take the men and women
who protect our communities for granted. These dedicated public servants
work odd hours including nights, weekends and holidays to keep our
community safe. They go to work each day with the very real possibility
that it may be their last. Their families bear this same stress of never
knowing for sure if their love one will return home safely.
I ask you to take a moment to thank our
officers for the jobs they do and for the sacrifices they make. I would
also ask that you say a prayer for their safety and for their families.
Our community is a better place for their efforts!
Thank you Chief.
Our next speaker will be Mr. Ed Beasley, our City
Manager. Over the years, Mr. Beasley
has continually shown his support of Public
Safety and without his support, we would not be where we are today as an
organization. Mr. Beasley:
Beasley talks
Thank you Mr. Beasley.
| Mayor
Scruggs came forward and read a proclamation declaring
today, May 22nd,
2008 as Glendale Police Officer's Memorial Day.
Rob Hawkins, President of the
Glendale Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police said: "Mayor Scruggs and
the entire City Council have continued to show their support of law
enforcement and their presence today and this proclamation goes to
show that."
Mayor
Scruggs commented "Our police officers respond to a wide
range of situations. Some are high risk like the one earlier
this week that started as a traffic stop and ended
with our officers locating a stash house with $1 million worth of
illegal drugs in it. Other calls are low risk such as the one
a citizen wrote to me about. She was being stalked by a
man who followed her on buses from downtown Phoenix to her stop
by her home. The very alert woman went into a
restaurant and called our police who responded and apprehended the
man who had just been released from jail. All calls are
equally important because together they make Glendale safe and
secure for everyone who lives here, works in a business here, or
comes for a visit."
GLENDALE
PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY
WHEREAS,
on May 15, 1982 the first National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day
Service was held on Capitol Hill in Washington DC to honor those
fallen officers who lost their lives in the line of duty; and
WHEREAS, in 1991, the National
Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial was dedicated in Judiciary
Square in Washington DC and carries the names of over 14,000 fallen
law enforcement officers; and
WHEREAS, during National Police
Week, May 12 through 16, 2008, local agencies across the country
will be honoring fallen officers, including our own fallen heroes,
Sergeant Patrick Lee Campbell and Officer Anthony Jon Holly;
WHEREAS, we commend the men and
women of the Glendale Police Department who play an essential role
in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all citizens; and
WHEREAS, it is on this day that
we pay tribute to the courageous men and women who have lost their
lives protecting our communities, and we honor all those who wear
the badge and keep the peace.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Elaine M.
Scruggs, Mayor of the city of Glendale, Arizona, on behalf of the
City Council, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2008, as
GLENDALE PEACE
OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY
and call
upon all citizens of Glendale to honor law enforcement officers and
their families, who through their courageous deeds, have made the
ultimate sacrifice.
In the Witness Thereof, I
have hereunto set my hand this 22nd day of May 2008.
|
Glendale
PD has had two names placed onto the wall at the National Police Officers Memorial.
 Sgt Pat Campbell
 Officer Tony Holly
Rob Hawkins told us Since our last Memorial there have been four
officer who have lost their lives in the line of duty in Arizona. These
fallen brothers are:
Police Officer George Cortez Jr., Phoenix Police
Department
Police Officer Nick Erfle, Phoenix Police
Department
Police Sergeant Tate Lynch, Casa Grande Police
Department
Senior Patrol Agent Luis Aguilar, US Border
Patrol
Sgt Pat Campbell
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