On Sunday, May 19, 2013, the City of Phoenix and its Police and Fire Departments were rocked by the tragic deaths of two first responders.

Police Officer Daryl Raetz, a six year veteran, was killed by a hit and run driver while conducting a DUI investigation and Firefighter Bradley Harper, a two year veteran, died from injuries he received while working a fire scene the previous day.

The Phoenix Law Enforcement Association and the United Phoenix Firefighters initially came together to host a benefit barbecue to raise money for the families of Officer Raetz and Firefighter Harper.  However, when it was determined that a larger venue than what either association had available was needed, that's when the community stepped up to the plate.

On Sunday, May 19, 2013, the City of Phoenix and its Police and Fire Departments were rocked by the tragic deaths of two first responders.

Police Officer Daryl Raetz, a six year veteran, was killed by a hit and run driver while conducting a DUI investigation and Firefighter Bradley Harper, a two year veteran, died from injuries he received while working a fire scene the previous day.

The Phoenix Law Enforcement Association and the United Phoenix Firefighters initially came together to host a benefit barbecue to raise money for the families of Officer Raetz and Firefighter Harper.  However, when it was determined that a larger venue than what either association had available was needed, that's when the community stepped up to the plate.

On Wednesday, May 22, 2013, the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association and the Phoenix Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona will host a joint Barbecue at the Sheraton Crescent Hotel, located at 2620 West Dunlap Avenue (I17 & Dunlap) with the proceeds going to the families of Phoenix Police Officer Daryl Raetz, 8899, and Phoenix Firefighter Bradley Harper, who were killed in separate line of duty incidents this past weekend.

This Barbecue will run from 11:00 am until 1:00 am to accomodate employees from all three shifts and the public is invited to join us and show support for the Raetz and Harper families.

Food will include hamburgers and hot dogs, chips, and soft drinks.  Donations are welcome.

Our thanks goes out to the management staff of the Sheraton for allowing us to do this fundraiser on their property at no cost to PLEA or PFFA.

With an increase in the use of social media including Facebook and Twitter, sworn officers are coming under more intense scrutiny of what they post, which questions whether or not their First Amendment Rights may have been violated.

On Monday, May 6, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in Richmond, Virginia issued an order granting NAPO’s motion to participate as an amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) in a pending case called Bland, et al. vs. Roberts.  The Court is one step below the U.S. Supreme Court, and the case involves an issue of free speech by a law enforcement officer and how social media and free speech interact.

CLICK HERE to read the full report.

Unfortunately, due to Judge Katherine Cooper's decision regarding the Goldwater Injunction, PLEA Membership meetings scheduled for 7:30 am and 12:30 pm on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 (tomorrow) have been cancelled, as none of the six PLEA Board members formerly assigned to the PLEA Office are allowed to conduct union business during their normal duty hours.

The 5:30 pm meeting is still scheduled for anyone wishing to attend.

The PLEA Office is still open for normal membership services as is the 24 hour Officer's Lounge.

PLEA will keep you advised of any changes in the status of the injunction as we hear from the Court, the City, the Police Department, as well as our attorneys.

Pete and Penny Penguin are traveling from San Diego to Phoenix and will be visiting the PLEA Office on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 from 3:00-4:00 pm.

CLICK HERE for an informational flyer and be sure to bring the kids and a camera!

On August 4, 2011, Phoenix Police Officers James Spross and Nicholas Pittatsis attempted to contact Mike Alvarez, who was riding his bicycle in a Maryvale neighborhood.  The officers did not know who Alvarez was as they were following him and he tried to evade them by refusing to stop and then riding onto the grass near the lake at Desert West Park.   Eventually, Alvarez got off of his bike next to a home and Officers Spross and Pittatsis chased after him.  Alvarez, who had fallen to the ground along the side of the house, turned over, pointed a revolver at both officers and opened fire.  Officer Spross was grazed in the head and Officer Pittatsis was struck in the arm.

As a reminder, the 23rd Annual TAPS Memorial Golf Tournament benefiting Tuition Assistance to Police Survivors (TAPS) will be held this Saturday, April 20, 2013 at the Wigwam Resort and Spa, located at 300 East Wigwam Boulevard in Litchfield Park.  Check-in begins at 6:30 am followed by a shotgun start at 7:30 am.

WestGroup Research has informed us that they have been able to keep ahead of the surveys which have been coming in and offered to extend the deadline past what was supposed to have been 4:30 pm on April 15th.  Please note that we have extended the deadline to 9:00 am on Wednesday, April 17th to ensure we get a maximum response.

On Wednesday, March 21, 2013, at approximately 4:15 pm, a Phoenix Police Department Employee Notification System message went out announcing a video message from Chief Garcia regarding 2013 Crime Reduction Strategies, 5/8-4/10 blended pilot program, and continued deployment model efficiencies.

Chief Garcia announced that he is suspending the 5/8-410 blended pilot program for the remainder of 2013.