Dear Friends,

Each May, public officials, police officers and their families gather to honor those officers whose faithful service led them to make the ultimate sacrifice.  This year's memorial ceremony was marked by exceptional tragedy. Just one day before, a Gilbert police officer was killed by an underage drunk driver.  Our thoughts and condolences are with Officer Rob Targosz's family and friends, and the loved ones of the six other officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in the past year. 

The Peace Officer Memorial in Wesley Bolin Plaza is striking.  The name of each officer is carved in stone so that future generations who visit the memorial will be reminded of, and inspired by, their bravery and heroism.   

There are 6,500 peace officers in Arizona working to protect us.  They patrol our streets and teach our children.  They help in emergencies and volunteer to assist those less fortunate.  Clearly, they go above and beyond the call of duty.  They are role models to all of us, and heroes in every sense of the word. 

To Arizona's peace officers, I offer you my deepest appreciation.  And I promise you this:  I will continue to work hard to be a friend to law enforcement.  I want every officer and first responder to have the best protective gear, the safest vehicles, and the most effective communications systems. 

I will continue to listen to and heed the advice of the law enforcement community when I act on legislation that affects our peace officers and their ability to safely and effectively carry out your duties.  

The generosity of Arizona's citizens never ceases to amaze me.  The outpouring of kindness to Officer Targosz's family is remarkable and makes me proud, once again, to be your Governor.

As always, I appreciate your input, and encourage you to call my office at 602.542.1318 if you have questions or thoughts to share. Or, please visit our website at http://www.azgovernor.gov for information and news in state government.

Yours very truly,


Janet Napolitano
Governor


Please encourage your friends and family to sign up for my Message of the Week at http://www.azgovernor.gov