AHPA Lobbyist Testifying on Behalf Of AHPA Members

After hard work from our lobbyist, Kelsey Lundy, President Jimmy Chavez and many civilian members, AHPA is happy to report that H.B. 2303 was signed into law by Governor Janice Brewer May 8th, 2013. The law now expands overtime for law enforcement personnel that directly assist police officers. Read more about the new law and its history here: H.B. 2303
http://www.azleg.gov/DocumentsForBill.asp?Bill_Number=2303&Session_Id=110&image.x=0&image.y=0

AHPA thanks Representative Eddie Farnsworth for sponsoring the bill and Governor Janice Brewer for signing into law a bill. Everyone who supported H.B. 2303 recognizes that many DPS employees help protect our communities and should be compensated for their hard work. Go to our website for history and videos regarding H.B. 2303.

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Read AHPA’s legislative salary update from May 21, 2013 HERE

Legislative news:

With budget negotiations appearing to move forward, AHPA is making sure the agency receives adequate appropriation for the increased employer contributions into the retirement system.  The agency will need $6.3 million in the next fiscal year to account for those increases.  If not fully funded, the agency would likely have to impose a hiring freeze as well as hold back on equipment replacement purchase.  The latest proposal from the Senate included the total amount which was certainly good news.

Pay is still an issue for us but we are having a difficult time in making any progress.  With the Governor’s priority of Medicaid expansion, there has been essentially no talk of a compensation plan in current budget discussions.  Despite this appearance of public safety being a lessor priority, AHPA will continue to work with our legislative allies on the issue of pay.  It does surprise me that many in government do not understand management theory which states while money is not the prime motivator for good job performance it is a demotivator.  According to Peter Drucker (business management expert): “Financial rewards and incentives are, of course, important, but they work largely negatively.  Discontent with financial rewards is a powerful disincentive, undermining and corroding responsibility for performance.”   At DPS we are all dedicated professionals providing public safety.  However, our government leadership is missing the current and future impact of ignoring pay inequities for DPS employees. With your help, AHPA diligently works to remind government leadership of the need to think and act with the future of public safety for Arizona as a priority.

With the cancellation of the May meeting, the next AHPA meeting will be held on June 19th.  As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact your District Representative.

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Read more about AHPA’s Legislative Success – Overtime bill signed by Governor

As we all know by now, May 6th was a troubling day for the agency.  On the very day we honored the lives of 28 DPS Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, another of our brothers was taken from us as he patrolled the highway. The circumstances that took the life of Officer Tim Huffman #5430 are still being investigated. What we do know is that the driver of the commercial vehicle involved was clearly not paying attention while driving.  The driver has been charged with second degree murder as well as 14 counts of endangerment.

The memorial service for Tim held in Yuma on Wednesday, May 15 was well attended not only by DPS employees, but also law enforcement representatives from all over the state and country.  It was an amazing display of honor and respect for Tim.  Additionally, dignitaries from local and state government attended to pay their respects to one of Arizona’s fallen.  Special thanks go to Secretary of State Ken Bennett, Attorney General Tom Horne, Speaker of the House of Representatives Andy Tobin and Representatives Justin Pierce and Darin Mitchell.  At the height of the legislative session, these individuals showed their priorities by taking the time to honor Tim.

The DPS Honor Guard once again showed true professionalism during the ceremony.  Captain Danny Golden and his crew did an outstanding job.  Seeing them represent our Department, I have to say that I am truly proud to be a member of the Department of Public Safety.

Tim’s body was escorted to Fort Bayard National Cemetery in New Mexico on Friday, May 17. A procession travelled from Yuma to the New Mexico state line where the New Mexico State Police took over.  During the escort through Arizona, various local law enforcement agencies showed respect by posting at freeway overpasses and saluting Tim as he passed.  A heartfelt thank you goes out to the New Mexico State Police for their assistance and support during the ceremony at Fort Bayard.

AHPA members should all feel proud of the role AHPA was honored to play in assisting Tim’s family and friends with arrangements and funding for vehicle rentals and accommodations in Arizona and during the burial in New Mexico.  Additionally, we were able to be there for Tim’s family and friends providing emotional support in their time of need.  In all, the events honoring Tim were truly fitting a man that gave his all every day he put on the uniform.  His siblings, Tom, Paul, Warren and Lisa were greatly appreciative of the support they have received from everyone involved.

Officer Tim Huffman

Residence: Yuma
Badge: 5430
End of Watch: May, 6, 2013

Officer Huffman was on scene helping investigate an injury collision on Interstate 8, 40 miles east of Yuma, when a tanker truck failed to yield to the closure of the number-two lane on the highway. The driver of the semi-truck, Jorge Espinoza, 33, first collided with DPS Capt. George Anderson’s parked patrol car, which then crashed into Huffman’s patrol car. Huffman was seated inside his patrol car writing a report and was killed by the force of the impact. He was 47 years old.

Officer Timothy Huffman

The Arizona Highway Patrol Association (AHPA) members are saddened to hear the loss of Department of Public Safety (DPS) Officer Tim Huffman.  The nearly fifteen (15) year veteran was killed in the line of duty after a traffic collision near Wellton on May 6th, 2013.

“Officer Huffman was very quiet, however, everyone knew how much he loved his job,” recalls Sgt. Jimmy Chavez, President of the AHPA and one of Huffman’s Field Training Officer.  ”Tim loved working the road.”

“The tragic and sudden death of Officer Huffman is a tremendous loss to his Arizona DPS family and the Yuma community,” states Chavez.  “Our thoughts and prayers are with Tim’s family, friends and fellow co-workers during this difficult time.” Huffman’s untimely death was the same day the men and women of the AHPA paid their respects to the 28 DPS officers who were killed in the line of duty during their annual fallen officer memorial ceremony.  “It is heartbreaking that we have to add another name to our memorial this year,” adds Chavez. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (www.nleomf.org), as of May 7th, 2013, law enforcement fatalities are up 21%.  Causes of officer deaths are primarily due to traffic accidents, heart attacks and fire-arm related incidents.

Businesses that seek to hold fundraisers or citizens that would like to donate in Huffman’s honor can contact the AHPA by going to their website at www.ahpa.com.  AHPA guarantees 100% of all donations collected will go to Huffman’s family and his memorial. AHPA President Jimmy Chavez traveled to Yuma on May 8th to be with Huffman’s district.  AHPA is working with the agency in order to provide necessary resources to employees.  If you are in need of assistance, please contact AHPA at ahpa@ahpa.com.

MEMORIAL SERVICES: On Wednesday May 15th, 2013, the Arizona Highway Patrol Association (AHPA) and the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) will celebrate the life of Officer Timothy Huffman.  The memorial service at the Yuma Civic Center located at 1440 W Desert Hills Dr, Yuma, AZ 85365.

Flights: Yuma – Yuma International Airport: www.yumainternationalairport.com

*Phoenix – Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport: www.phxskyharbor.com *Transportation can be accommodated to Yuma from the Phoenix area.  Please contact the AHPA office at 480-899-4675 or email ahpa@ahpa.com.

Hotels: Phoenix area– (all hotels are near our public transit and light rail systems, which are conveniently located from the airport.  Please see our website for transit information and local attractions at: www.ahpa.com).

• Marriott Tempe 601 S Ash Ave Tempe, AZ 85281 (480) 966-2800 (2 blocks south of light rail exit in Tempe – located near Arizona State University) $128 government rate Direct contact: Katie – 480-966-2800 x 602 http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phxte-courtyard-tempe-downtown/

• Radisson Hotel Phoenix Airport 427 N 44th Street Phoenix, AZ 85008 (602) 220-4400 $105 government rate http://www.radisson.com/phoenix-hotel-az-85008/azphxapn?s_cid=se.ggl.rad_cmp15

• The Clarendon Hotel 401 W Clarendon Ave Phoenix, AZ 85013 (602) 252-7363 $109 government rate theclarendon.net

Yuma:

• Best Western Inn and Suites Plus 1450 S Castle Dome Ave, Yuma, AZ (928) 783-8341 $71 government rate – please note with agent you are attending Officer Huffman’s memorial book.bestwestern.com
• Holiday Inn & Suites 1901 E 18th St, Yuma, AZ (928) 782-9300 $78 government rate www.ihg.com
• Hampton Inn and Suites 1600 E 16th St, Yuma, AZ (928) 329-5600 ‎ $78 government rate hamptoninn3.hilton.com

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SATURDAY MAY 11th 2013
WIGWAM RESORT 451 N. OLD LITCHFIELD RD, LITCHFIELD PARK, AZ 85340
5:30 A.M. CHECK IN AT COURSE
7:30 A.M. SHOTGUN START
LUNCHEON/AWARDS IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING PLAY IN THE BALLROOM

DOWNLOAD THE ENTRY FORM HERE:

AHPA Golf 2013 Registration Form PDF

AHPA Golf 2013 Registration Form Word Doc

DOWNLOAD THE SPONSOR FORM HERE:

2013 AHPA Golf Tournament Sponsor Form PDF

2013 AHPA Golf Tournament Sponsor Form WORD

Entry Fee Information
Entry Fee is $85.00 for Association Members and $115.00 for non-members. Fee includes one ticket for the awards luncheon beginning at 12:30 p.m. following golf play. Additional luncheon tickets may be purchased for $35.00 per person – reservations are required for additional luncheon guests. Payment must be received in full with the registration form. NO REFUNDS AFTER MARCH 11, 2013. We will not be able to hold any reservations without payment.
This tournament benefits the Arizona Highway Patrol Association and the various programs supported by the AHPA. Programs include youth awareness, Special Olympics, MADD, SADD, Peer Support, AHPA Golf Scholoarship, DPS Memorial Funds, and various other charities throughout the year.

The tournament is a four person scramble event. There will be three flights and handicaps will only be used to determine which flight your team will play in. Players without an established handicap will estimate what they normally score, so be honest, this is for fun. Prizes are awarded to the top three teams in each flight.

Tournament sponsorship is $6000 for Double Eagle, $1000 for Eagle Level and $500 for Birdie Level. Double Eagle Sponsorship includes your company name embroidered on a polo shirt each golfer will receive, 8 golfers including luncheon tickets, Eagle includes 4 golfers including luncheon tickets and Birdie includes 2 golfers including luncheon tickets. Sponsorships are listed in the AHPA magazine which is published nationally. All sponsorship includes tee box signage in memory of a fallen DPS Officer, publication in tournament brochures, and recognition during the awards luncheon for sponsorship support.

Lodging Information
For special room rates at the resort call the WigWam Resort Reservations desk at (1-800-729-7888). Tell them you’re with the Arizona Highway Patrol Association Golf Tournament and give them rate code “WWGOLF” for a special reduced rate per night.

AHPA to Honor 28 DPS Officers Killed in Line of Duty with Memorial Ceremony

Annual event will take place on Monday, May 6th

(Phoenix, AZ) –The men and women of the Arizona Highway Patrol Association (AHPA) will pay their respects to the 28 Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers who have been killed in the line of duty. The Annual DPS Fallen Officer Memorial Ceremony is scheduled for Monday, May 6th at 9 A.M.
This annual memorial, that arrives one week before the nationally recognized Police Memorial Week, not only honors the officers, but also the sacrifices of their families. This ceremony is a solemn reminder of the dangers DPS officers face every day as they protect and serve the State of Arizona.

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), Arizona has lost 251 officers since its statehood.  Trends show most law enforcement deaths occurred primarily from gunfire or traffic accidents.  The NLEOMF will be adding five names from Arizona to the national memorial walls (in Washington) that were killed in the line of duty during 2011.
Governor Janice Brewer, DPS Director Robert Halliday and AHPA President Jimmy Chavez will speak at the ceremony.  Special performances by aviation professionals, DPS officers singing the National Anthem and law enforcement bagpipers will add powerful sounds and visuals to the commemorative day.

The ceremony will take place on May 6th at 9:00 a.m. at the DPS Officer Memorial Statue located at 2102 W. Encanto Boulevard in Phoenix.  Media is invited to attend.
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About the Arizona Highway Patrol Association (AHPA): Founded in 1958, the AHPA’s mission is to promote the positive role of Law Enforcement Professionals, and to protect and secure rights and benefits for their members through effective representation with local, state and national governments.  You can visit their website at www.ahpa.com.

Related links: Arizona Daily Sun – May 6th, 2013

KTAR – May 6th, 2013

KPHO CBS 5 – May 6th, 2013

FOX 10 – May 6th, 2013

It is Arizona Highway Patrol Association’s honor to bring you and your family this Department of Public Safety Christmas ornament.  The commemorative piece not alone celebrates all the dedicated men and women at the DPS, but additionally reminds the fallen officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice.  May this token remind you of all the heroes that protect and serve our nation every day.

The ornament will be available this summer through your AHPA district representatives.  This is the perfect holiday gift for family, friends and co-workers!  Check our website for further updates.

AHPA Xmas Ornament Side 1

AHPA Xmas Ornament Side 2

AHPA APRIL 2013 MINUTES WORD DOC

AHPA APRIL 2013 MINUTES PDF

AHPA MARCH 2013 MINUTES PDF