When Politics Interferes….. (Part 2)

The criminal and administrative investigations surrounding the Michael Johnson and Officer Authement incident are now complete. The investigations and the evidence obtained by local and federal authorities have been made visible for all to see. Statements made by victims, witnesses and potential suspects are available for public review and scrutiny. And in the end what did we discover? Phoenix Police Officer Brian Authement did not act outside of his authority when confronting and handcuffing Phoenix City Councilman Michael Johnson. Officer Brian Authement is not a racist nor does he portray the attributes of such a person. He did not act as a racist cop when he took appropriate action on the day in question. In the final act of this incident it was determined that neither party should be subjected to major discipline or punitive criminal action. Justice has finally prevailed or has it?

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Press Release
January 13, 2009
Contact: Stacey Dillon
Public Safety Authority Medias, LLC
480-225-4809

Highway Patrol Officers and Civilians Welcome New Director

Arizona- The Arizona Highway Patrol Association (AHPA) welcomes the announcement of their new Department of Public Safety (DPS) director, Robert C. Halliday.

"We thank Governor Brewer for choosing someone who has a tremendous insight into our department, as well as passion and commitment to our profession," states Sgt. Jimmy Chavez, President of the AHPA.

Director Halliday has over 35 years with DPS, and already has admiration and support from many frontline officers and civilians.

The AHPA thanks their current director, Roger Vanderpool, for his years of leadership with DPS.

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.

To schedule an interview with Sgt. Jimmy Chavez from AHPA, please contact Stacey Dillon of Public Safety Authority Medias at 480.225.4809.

APA and PORAC LDF to Offer Enhancement to Current Legal Plan

The Arizona Police Association is pleased to announce an enhancement to their legal defense plan through the PORAC Legal Defense Fund which includes legal representation in Workers’ Compensation proceedings arising from his or her employment as a peace officer.

Plan information is available through your local APA association.

Christmas came early for a Mesa police officer and his family at the Red Mountain District police station on Wednesday.

Much to the surprise of officer Mark Kelly, he was presented with a Ford E-450 Super Duty handicapped-accessible Shuttle Van to better help him and his large family as he tries to maintain his mobility while fighting a terminal neurological illness.

After Kelly and his wife, Elizabeth, watched their four sons - Bryan, Harley, Hyrum and Bryce, ages 18 months through 8, receive presents such as a Tonka police cruiser, a Hot Wheels Train Station and a purple Mongoose bicycle from a Santa dressed in blue, they were led outside to receive the vehicle.

Kelly, 31, who has worked for the Mesa Police Department for four years and was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in April, received the van as a gift from the Mesa Police Association's officers assistance fund as many members of his family and colleagues looked on.

"It's just like Christmas morning," Mark Kelly said. "I had no idea it would be something like this. I was told yesterday just to be at the station by 4:30, and there would be a Santa here dressed in blue."

The police union held a number of fundraisers for the Kelly family in recent months and were able to purchase the van from a Valley company that recently went out of business, according to Stacey Dillon, a spokeswoman for the Mesa Police Association.

"We decided that this police family was the one most in need, and in this particular case, there's been an outpouring of community support," said Fabian Cota, president of the Mesa Police Association. "This is the kind of stuff that makes our day."


The Kelly family had been given a passenger van by a relative, but with Kelly confined to a wheelchair, the smaller-size van was difficult for the family to travel in, said Mark's older brother, Mike Kelly.

"This van is going to be a savior for everybody and a blessing," Mike Kelly said.

ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease after the Hall of Fame slugger from the 1920s and 30s who gave the illness notoriety, is a terminal neurological disorder that destroys the nerve connections between muscles and the brain. As the disease progresses, patients lose the ability to control their muscles and eventually cannot walk, speak, swallow or breathe. Kelly only has about 15 percent use of his right hand.

Yet Kelly, a 1997 graduate of Mesa High School, remains on the job at the Red Mountain District station, answering phone calls and taking reports, and also partially works from home.

Elizabeth, who is expecting the couple's fifth child, also said the family was grateful for the gifts and the vehicle.

"It's overwhelming," she said. "We're so thankful. It's an amazing gift. I don't know how to describe it. It's such a surprise."

City of Phoenix Election Results

City of Phoenix voters went to the polls yesterday to select city council seats in District 6 and District 3. The APA rallied its members to support a candidate in each district. With final vote tallies now published, the results of the election show a mixed result for our APA endorsed candidates.

In District 6 current and now re-elected Councilman Sal DiCiccio defeated Ms. Dana Kennedy in a highly contentious race. Ms. Kennedy was the candidate supported by the APA. Ms. Kennedy garnered approximately 45% of the votes cast. The results of the election were apparent early when early mail-in ballot counts showed Councilman DiCiccio ahead by approximately three thousand votes. The APA congratulates Councilman DiCiccio on his victory. The APA wishes to express our admiration to Ms Kennedy and the Kennedy campaign for the dignity, zeal and energy they brought to this precinct election.

In District 3, APA endorsed candidate Councilman Bill Gates easily won re-election in District 6. The APA wishes to congratulate Councilman Gates and his campaign staff on their outstanding re-election campaign and a victory so rightfully earned.
 

The Copper Corridor Police Association became the newest member of the APA in October. Based in Pinal County, the CCPA has among its members officers from Hayden P.D., Gila County Sheriff’s office, Hayden P.D., Gila River P.D., Arizona State Capitol Police, and Apache Junction P.D.