With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of two @Arizona_DPS heroes who were killed late last night in a helicopter crash. Please keep their families in your thoughts and prayers. #AZTroopers #LODD

Please join AZDPS in honoring the memory of our fallen officers and troopers at the 2026 Officer Memorial Ceremony, presented by the Arizona State Troopers Association. The ceremony will be livestreamed at azdps.gov/asta-memorial on Monday, May 4, 2026, beginning at 9 a.m. MST.

On 3/21/2000, Officer Brett Buckmister, #5548, died as a result of a traffic crash near Page, AZ. He was driving southbound on US 89 when his patrol car and a van collided during wintry weather, ultimately taking the lives of Officer Buckmister and three people in the van. #NeverForget #LODD #AZTroopers

Our hearts are breaking 💔 Pennsylvania Trooper Corporal Timothy O'Connor was shot and killed last night on a traffic stop. Suspect took the coward's way out Please join us in praying for the loved ones and friends of Corporal O'Connor 🙏🏽

Today, we honor the women of AZDPS whose expertise spans every corner of our agency—troopers, dispatchers, scientists, pilots, analysts, admins, and more. On International Women’s Day, we recognize their leadership & service in helping shape safer, stronger communities across AZ.

🔹@AZ_FOP_32 Ranger 56 Memorial T‑Shirt Fundraiser🔹 Join us to support the families of Pilot Skankey & Trooper Paramedic Bennett. 📅 March 7, 12–6 PM 📍 AZDPS HQ Visitor Lot, 2102 W. Encanto Blvd, Phoenix Drive through event • $25 shirts • Net proceeds benefit the families

The First Responder Whiskey Society released a memorial bottle honoring fallen Arizona DPS Trooper Hunter Bennett, with family permission. 100% of net proceeds go to his family. Sandblasted, marine-owned crafted bottle. Ships nationwide except AK, MA, MI, SD, TN & UT. Buy: servicethroughspirits.com/pr…

Arizona Department of Public Safety Pilot Robert Skankey was laid to rest Friday. He gave the ultimate sacrifice on Feb. 4th while protecting his community. Rest well hero 🙏🏽

Flags at all City of Phoenix buildings are lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Feb. 20 and from sunrise to sunset on Feb. 23 in honor of the interments of two Arizona Department of Public Safety crewmembers who tragically lost their lives in a line-of-duty helicopter crash on Feb. 4. Arizona Department of Public Safety State Trooper-Paramedic Hunter R. Bennett and Pilot/Air Rescue Aviation Supervisor Robert B. Skankey were called to act in support of an active-shooter incident in Flagstaff. Bennett had served DPS since 2022 and is survived by his wife. Skankey, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, served DPS since 2021 and is survived by his wife and four children.

We will never forget Hunter R. Bennett and Robert B. Skankey, two members of our Department of Public Safety community who dedicated their lives to serving fellow Arizonans. This is a tragic loss, and I know people across the state join me in sending our deepest condolences to these heroes’ families, friends, and communities, as well as their colleagues at DPS.

The AZDPS is providing updated information regarding the upcoming funeral services honoring Pilot Robert Skankey and Trooper Paramedic Hunter Bennett, who were killed in the line of duty on Feb. 4, 2026. Read our news release: azdps.gov/news/releases/1097

On 2/18/2000, Officer Floyd J. “Skip” Fink, #940, lost his life when a driver crashed into his patrol vehicle on US 60, near McClintock Drive, in Tempe. The force of the collision caused Officer Fink’s vehicle to catch fire while he was trapped inside. Several witnesses extinguished the flames and attempted to save Officer Fink. He later died from his injuries at a local hospital. Officer Fink was a 28 year veteran of DPS. The at-fault driver pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 18 years in prison. #NeverForget #LODD #AZTroopers

Thank you @RepEliCrane for backing law enforcement and honoring our fallen pilot and trooper.

We are so thankful to our public safety partners and the community for supporting this noble event! If you would like to contribute, you can do so at fop32foundation.org. Your donation is tax deductible and 100% of the proceeds go to the families.

FOP Lodge 32 Board Members and Trustees opened our monthly meeting with a prayer and moment of silence for the Ranger 56 crew who gave their lives serving the Flagstaff community. Please keep Trooper-Paramedic Hunter Bennett, Pilot Robert Skankey, and their loved ones in your prayers. #AZDPS #Ranger56 #LODD #FOP #AZTroopers

Reminder: Phoenix BBQ Fundraiser for the families of fallen AZDPS heroes Hunter Bennett and Robert Skankey. 📍 DPS HQ – 2102 W Encanto Blvd 🗓 Thu 2/12 | ⏰ 11–3 BBQ • Raffles • T-shirts 100% to their families. Please stop by and share. #AZDPS #LODD #FOP32 #AZTroopers

Huge thanks to @abc15arizona for hosting the phone-a-thon. Members of @AZTroopers and @azfop32 teamed up to take calls from the public and generate funds for the families of the fallen. #gonebutneverforgotton

Arizona is grateful to Trooper Paramedic Bennett and Pilot Skankey for their bravery and service. Join a BBQ benefit to honor these fallen heroes and lift up their loved ones.

We are praying for our brother with @Goodyearpolice 🙏 Violence against law enforcement in Arizona is out of control. #GoodyearPD #Arizona

Two Arizona heroes were lost aboard Ranger 56 🚁🖤 Trooper-Paramedic Hunter R. Bennett and Pilot Robert R. Skankey served this state with honor and made the ultimate sacrifice. You can help their families by donating here: fop32foundation.org/ #Ranger56 #AZDPS #LODD

AZDPS Trooper-Paramedic Hunter R. Bennett and Pilot Robert R. Skankey gave their lives in the line of duty. Please support their families 🙏. Donate: fop32foundation.org/ #Ranger56 #AZDPS #LODD