PHOENIX, AZ – A series of fundraisers meant to help support the families of two fallen Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) helicopter crew members are slated to occur throughout the month of February, with events currently planned in Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Kingman.
On the evening of February 4th, 61-year-old DPS Pilot Robert Skankey and 28-year-old Trooper/Paramedic Hunter Bennett were responding by helicopter to an officer-involved shooting out in Flagstaff when their helicopter unexpectedly crashed, resulting in both crew members unfortunately passing away.
The cause of the crash has not yet been determined by officials, with the National Transportation Safety Board actively investigating the incident.
Following the fatal crash, a City of Kingman spokesperson, which the two deceased DPS crew members flew out from on the day of the incident, issued a statement mourning the loss of the lives of Skankey and Bennett.
“This is an incredibly profound loss for our community and for the state of Arizona,” spokesperson Sarah Hall stated, adding, “Our hearts are with the families, friends, and loved ones of those lost, as well as the entire Arizona Department of Public Safety and Search and Rescue teams who served alongside them.”
In the wake of the tragic incident, the Arizona Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 32 partnered with the Arizona State Troopers Association to launch a series of fundraisers to benefit the families of the fallen DPS crew members.
The first of the fundraisers occurred on February 12th at the state’s DPS headquarters in Phoenix, where a barbecue lunch was hosted where attendees could purchase t-shirts or tickets for raffle items alongside allowing direct donations for the families impacted by the unexpected passing of the two DPS crew members.
Two additional fundraisers are planned for February 14th in Flagstaff at the City Hall parking lot located off Aspen Avenue as well as February 22nd in Kingman at the Mohave County Fairgrounds located off Fairgrounds Boulevard.
Those interested in making any direct donations online can do so through the FOP Lodge 32 or Troopers Association websites.
On the evening of February 4th, 61-year-old DPS Pilot Robert Skankey and 28-year-old Trooper/Paramedic Hunter Bennett were responding by helicopter to an officer-involved shooting out in Flagstaff when their helicopter unexpectedly crashed, resulting in both crew members unfortunately passing away.
The cause of the crash has not yet been determined by officials, with the National Transportation Safety Board actively investigating the incident.
Following the fatal crash, a City of Kingman spokesperson, which the two deceased DPS crew members flew out from on the day of the incident, issued a statement mourning the loss of the lives of Skankey and Bennett.
“This is an incredibly profound loss for our community and for the state of Arizona,” spokesperson Sarah Hall stated, adding, “Our hearts are with the families, friends, and loved ones of those lost, as well as the entire Arizona Department of Public Safety and Search and Rescue teams who served alongside them.”
In the wake of the tragic incident, the Arizona Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 32 partnered with the Arizona State Troopers Association to launch a series of fundraisers to benefit the families of the fallen DPS crew members.
The first of the fundraisers occurred on February 12th at the state’s DPS headquarters in Phoenix, where a barbecue lunch was hosted where attendees could purchase t-shirts or tickets for raffle items alongside allowing direct donations for the families impacted by the unexpected passing of the two DPS crew members.
Two additional fundraisers are planned for February 14th in Flagstaff at the City Hall parking lot located off Aspen Avenue as well as February 22nd in Kingman at the Mohave County Fairgrounds located off Fairgrounds Boulevard.
Those interested in making any direct donations online can do so through the FOP Lodge 32 or Troopers Association websites.
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