Association News

Wish comes true for Chino Valley teenager

Evan JohnsonThe Arizona Highway Patrol Association, whose members include both sworn officers and civilian employees of the DPS, adopted and funded Evan's wish. In 1980 the DPS granted the wish of the first child, 7-year-old Chris Greicius, to be funded through Make-A-Wish.


Passing of former AHPA lobbyist Ed Wren

Edward James WrenFormer AHPA lobbyist, Edward James Wren, passed away, surrounded by those he loved, on July 31, 2010. He was 68. Born in Syracuse, NY, to Edwin Francis and Helen Beatrice Wren, Ed grew up in NY and Florida. He graduated from Florida State University in 1964.


AHPA Officer Cooks Up His Favorite Meal for Sonoran Living

Sgt. Bill Rogers' 20-year DPS career has taken him all over the state. Arizona Highway Patrol officers patrol 6,000 miles of our state. Throughout his travels he has had the opportunity to get a taste of all the regional flavors Arizona has to offer. This is one of his favorite recipes, which he says is an extremely easy meal to fix, making it great for a working person.


Budget Update From President Chavez

This e-Blast is to answer some of the questions regarding the position of AHPA on the budget-imposed furloughs.  After the passage of the budget during the 7th Legislative Special Session, I met with Director Halliday to inform him of the official position of AHPA regarding the furloughs.


Lt. Eric Shuhandler Act Now Law, Protecting Police Officers from Felons

Many officers feel that the tragic death of Lt. Shuhandler could have been prevented if Christopher Redondo of Globe, Arizona would have been behind bars after assaulting a Department of Public Safety (DPS) police officer. The Lt. Eric Shuhandler Act, H.B. 2062, was signed into law by Governor Janice Brewer, that changes aggravated assault on a peace officer felony classification from a class six felony to a class five felony for aggravated assault of an officer and changes from a class five felony to a class four felony aggravated assault that results in physical injury to the officer.


Aviation Cuts to DPS

Northern Arizona will have air units removed from Flagstaff and Kingman.  Flagstaff Mayor Sara Presler spoke with the media on the state’s budget cuts they are seeing in Northern Arizona, including less DPS air units responding to emergencies.  AHPA urges members and the community to vote for Prop 100.  We do not want to see other DPS resources removed, or layoffs, due to our budget deficit.


DPS furloughs

Jimmy ChavezOn the morning of March 25, Kelsey Lundy and I met with Brian McNeil of the Governor’s Office.  The purpose of the meeting was to get more insight and understanding of the process by which furloughs would be implemented or exempted based on the recently passed budget for FY2011 and FY2012, which was signed by the Governor on March 18.  As explained earlier, those budgets included the permanent elimination of the state employee performance pay as well as implementing 6 furlough days in each of those two fiscal years. 


Spring Breakers Beware – Be Safe Traveling to Mexico

As many college students gear up for the spring break holiday next week, the Arizona Highway Patrol Association reminds our young adults to be careful when traveling to Mexico.  Increased violence in Mexico has caused concern for law enforcement, and they are reminding students about safety when traveling.


AHPA Talks With Public About Prescription Drugs Usage

Sgt. Bill Rogers from the Arizona Highway Patrol Association speaks to the public on prescription drug usage and how law enforcement is dealing with its escalated use.


14th Annual Officer Bob Martin Mile Clean-Up

The family and friends of Officer Robert K. Martin, a DPS officer who was shot to death during a traffic stop on August 15, 1995, get together yearly to remember him and his service.  The Beeline Highway, where a memorial for Officer Martin remains, is kept beautiful in his honor. 


Funeral Services for Officer Marano

Officer Chris Marano, 28, was struck on Loop 101 near Seventh Avenue. He was on the freeway to lay down a spike strip to help end a police chase.


Christmas Bear Program 2009

Once again the AHPA sponsored Christmas Bear Program is going strong as coordinators and volunteers are stepping up to bring a Happy Christmas to children around the state. We have received confirmation from the coordinators listed below and encourage any volunteers to contact them directly if you want to help out.


AHPA Meets with Senator McCain

On 27 Aug 2009, AHPA President Jimmy Chavez, Vice President Bob Gilbert and Executive Officer Pat Eagan met with Senator John McCain at his Phoenix office.  The meeting had been requested by Senator McCain to discuss several issues and to ask for AHPA's endorsement for his Senate Campaign.  During the meeting several topics were discussed such as Legal Immigration/Migrant Workers, Illegal Immigration, and Inter-Agency Radio Operability.