Public Safety

When it is safe to be outdoors, hydrate adequately, wear sun protection, and choose the right time and place for your outdoor activities. Pre-hydrate before your adventure, and bring about 1 to 2 liters per hour per person when active in the heat. 

According to the Children’s Safety Zone, there were 133 water-related incidents in Maricopa and Pinal counties in 2023, and, sadly, 57 water-related deaths, including 12 pediatric drownings. Drowning is a top cause of injury-related death for children in Arizona, especially for children age 5 and under (pediatric).

Offenders are categorized into three levels: Level One (low risk to the community), Level Two (intermediate risk to the community), and Level Three (high risk to the community).

A recent study by Common Sense Media reveals that 71% of kids in the United States get their first smartphone before age 12, with 91% having a phone by age 14. The same study revealed TikTok is the most popular social media app among young teens, with youths spending nearly two hours a day on the platform.

Drowning is a sudden and tragic event that affects too many families each year. In Arizona, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 years old, and the second leading cause of unintentional injury for children ages 5 to 14 years old.

Capt. Eric Tinkham was one of Queen Creek's inaugural firefighters who started the town's fire department on Jan. 1, 2008. Prior to joining Queen Creek, he served with Rural/Metro Fire Department in east Maricopa and Pinal counties.

As a reminder, Arizona State law ARS 28-857 requires motorists to stop for school buses with flashing lights or an extended stop sign, unless the school bus is stopped on the opposite side of a divided highway/roadway (i.e. there is a physical barrier between the opposite lanes of travel such as a raised median, guardrail or other longitudinal barrier system).

The Queen Creek Police Department Youth Academy is a free two-week program for Queen Creek youth between the ages of 14 and 18. Students are provided with an inside look at local law enforcement and it is a great opportunity for those interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.

“This ceremonial promotional ceremony recognizes the dedication and commitment of our membership,” shared QCFMD Chief Vance Gray. “Many of these individuals were officially promoted months ago, serving our community with compassion in a new role for months before being recognized. This selfless service is what the Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department stands for – keeping the community and one another safe."

The mission's Code:Red Heat Relief Campaign goes through Aug. 31 and aims to save vulnerable populations within Maricopa County from the deadly summer heat by distributing 1 million water bottles and helping get people off the streets. They've distributed more than 230,000 water bottles and provided more than 430 heat-relief transport rides so far this summer to people living on the streets of the Valley.