Public Safety

Officer Rachel de la Torre had a blast reading "The Book with no Name" to the children who participated in this month's event. She also talked to them about her role as a "helper" in the community. She told them not to be afraid to come up to an officer if they ever get lost or need help.

EMS and law enforcement in Arizona have reported more than 9,600 responses for suspected opioid overdoses in 2022. Naloxone was administered in over 80% of non-fatal suspected overdose responses in 2022, according to reports received from EMTs, paramedics and law enforcement.

Heath Daniel was booked into jail under the charges of first degree murder, a class 1 felony, and prohibited possessor, a class 4 felony. He is being held on a $500,000 bond. Vanessa Daniel was booked into jail under the charges of hindering prosecution, a class 3 felony, and tampering with evidence, a class 6 felony.

The goal is to get impaired drivers off our roadways. Plan ahead and have a sober ride home if you plan to drink this New Year's weekend.

Funeral services for Cooper Lamb, his fiancée Caroline Patten, and their one-year-old daughter, Elaine, will be at 11 a.m. tomorrow at the LDS Stake Center, 31844 N. Gantzel Road, in San Tan Valley. 

Fireworks will be sold in stores throughout the Town of Queen Creek, but the town has an ordinance that restricts the use of fireworks within the town limits from Dec. 24 through Jan. 3. Consumer fireworks are only allowed on private property and individuals who use, discharge or ignite permissible consumer fireworks are responsible and liable for expenses as a result of any emergency response that is required.

"Thank you to the community for showing such generosity and helping us spread holiday cheer in Queen Creek," QCFMD firefighters posted on their Facebook page Christmas Eve.

The education they have received gives these firefighters advanced life-saving skills that will help keep residents safe as they continue to work hard and stay committed to saving lives in the community.

The female driver of the car, Cooper's fiancé and mother of the child, was hospitalized in life-threatening condition. The driver of the truck was not injured but was arrested for possible impairment, police said.

The firefighters, police officers and teen cadets loaded up a truck full of toys that will be gifted to children in the area as part of their work over the weekend at the 14th Annual Christmas Car Show and Toy Drive, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Queen Creek and the Queen Creek Family Resource Center. The gifts will help make the holidays brighter for many children in the community.