Tempe Public Safety Memorial

Public Safety Memorial Header

bronze statue of a fire fighter, police officer, and police canine

The City of Tempe proudly honors those who gave their lives in service to our community through the Tempe Public Safety Memorial, located at the entrance of Tempe Beach Park at Tempe Town Lake.

This memorial pays tribute to the Tempe firefighters, police officers, and canines who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. It serves not only as a lasting monument to our fallen heroes, but also as a place of reflection where families, friends, and community members can come together to honor their memory. Standing eight feet tall, the memorial was created by world-renowned sculptor Benjamin Victor.

You Can Help

Donate to maintain the monument through the Tempe Police Foundation, a non-profit 501-c3. All donations are tax-deductible. Donate directly for the monument donate ONLINE HERE.

In Memory of Tempe's Fallen Police & Fire Heroes

The City of Tempe honors those police officers and firefighters who have given their lives in the line of duty. Please read more about Tempe's fallen heroes.

Fire Captain Paramedic Scott Leatham (Last Call 12/19/2024)

Photo of Captain Scott Leatham

Fire Captain Paramedic Scott Leatham
Age: 39
Years of Service: 11
Last Call: December 19, 2024
Cause: Occupational Exposure /Sinonasal Cancer

Captain Scott Leatham, who lived by the motto "Attitude is a choice," inspired all who knew him with his unwavering positivity, kindness, and love. A devoted son, brother, husband, father, and firefighter, Scott passed away at home in Gilbert, Arizona, on December 19, 2024, after a courageous battle with sinonasal cancer. Scott joined the Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department in 2013, fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter. Throughout his career, he excelled in various roles, earning certifications as a paramedic in 2015, a technical rescue technician in 2019, and a medical support/SWAT team member in 2020. In February 2022, Scott was promoted to Captain Paramedic, a position in which he led with exceptional courage, compassion, and humility. Scott was the beloved husband of Ashley and a proud father to their two children, Kaden and Kali. His legacy of service, dedication, and love will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to know him.

Firefighter Tommy Alexander Arriaga (Last Call 3/6/2020)

Firefighter Tommy Alexander Arriaga
Age: 36
Years of Service: 6
Last Call: March 6, 2020
Cause: Occupational Exposure / Colorectal Cancer

Firefighter Arriaga was laid to rest after a courageous battle against cancer. Firefighter Arriaga's colorectal cancer was due to his employment as a firefighter and was a presumptive cancer under Arizona State Law. Firefighter Arriaga was a trained EMT, Hazardous Materials Technician, and was a recipient of the Tempe South Rotary Club Outstanding Firefighter/Employee of the Year Award shortly before his passing. He was part of Tempe Fire Medical Rescue's (TFMR) Captain's Program, loved wearing his turnout gear, and took pride in educating youth on fire safety. He consistently demonstrated passion, humility, and perseverance through his life and career with TFMR. Tommy exuded the true meaning of courage in the face of adversity and through whatever obstacle life threw his way. He inspired all those around him with his positive attitude and will continue to do so after his passing. Firefighter Arriaga was the epitome of a loving husband to his wife Monica, and the ultimate girl-dad to his daughters Madalynn and Miranda. He was an active cyclists, outdoorsman, and was registered to participate in the next Tempe Ironman.

Detective Russell Elden Welker (End of Watch 5/17/2009)

Detective Russell Elden Welker
Age: 34
Years of Service: 10
End of Watch: May 17, 2009

Detective Welker was assigned to Auto Theft Investigations at the time of his death and he had the unique honor of working at the same time as his father, Terry Welker, a 30+ year veteran of the Tempe Police Department. He was a 10-year veteran of the department. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, his parents and sister.

Officer Kevin Louis Weeks (End of Watch 9/28/2006)

Officer Robert Lyle Hawk (End of Watch 9/24/1988)

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Officer Robert Lyle Hawk
Age: 28
Years of Service: 1.5
End of Watch: September 24, 1988
Cause: Vehicular Assault

Officer Robert Hawk was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while conducting a traffic stop on the Superstition Freeway. He was struck as he returned to his vehicle after talking with the driver of the vehicle he had stopped. Hawk had been with the agency for 18 months and was survived by his wife and two sons.

Lieutenant John Eaton Bradshaw (End of Watch 9/20/1987)

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Lt. John Eaton Bradshaw
Age: 45
Years of Service: 20
End of Watch: September 20, 1987
Cause: Gunfire

Lieutenant John Bradshaw was shot and killed while responding to a call for assistance from another officer. The officer's weapon had been stolen by an inmate he was transporting to the hospital. During the incident, the suspect then took a passing motorcycle operator hostage and fled the scene. Lieutenant Bradshaw stopped up the road from the suspect and waited for his arrival at Hohokam Highway and University Drive. When the suspect saw Lt. Bradshaw’s patrol car, he fired one shot which struck Lt. Bradshaw in the chest. At the time of the incident, Lt. Bradshaw had served with the Tempe Police Department for 20 years. He was survived by his wife and four children.

Firefighter Paramedic Ed Gaicki (Last Call 1/15/1980)

Firefighter/Paramedic Ed Gaicki
Age: 27
Years of Service: 6
Last Call: January 15, 1980
Cause: Roof Collapse

During a four-alarm blaze at the Jumbo Bagel Deli which was located at Apache and Gary, now known as Chief Jones Way, the structure’s roof collapsed on Firefighter Gaicki and eight other firefighters. Firefighter Gaicki was trained as a paramedic and was nominated for the Tempe Jaycee’s Annual Outstanding Young Firefighter of the Year Award just five days before his death. Firefighter Gaicki graduated McClintock High School in 1970, where he was an All-State football player and the president of the senior class. Gaicki accepted an appointment into the United States Air Force Academy, although the desire to be a firefighter for the City of Tempe was his true dream. At the time of his death, Firefighter Gaicki was on track to promote to the rank of Captain, which would have made him the first Captain/Paramedic in the department.

Night Marshal Cyrus Spangler (End of Watch 1/11/1921)

Night Marshal Cyrus Spangler
End of Watch: January 11, 1921
Cause: Gunfire

Marshal Cyrus Spangler was shot and killed by two men while responding to a robbery in progress at a store located at 6th Street and Mill Avenue. During the incident, an 11-year-old boy was also shot and killed and the shop’s proprietor was seriously wounded. Three days later, both suspects were shot and killed in a gunfight with US Immigration Inspectors in Calabasas, Arizona.

Officer Albert Nettle (End of Watch 5/19/1919)

Officer Albert Nettle
End of Watch: May 19, 1919
Cause: Gunfire

Officer Nettle was shot and killed during a jail break from Tempe City Jail. Night Officer Albert Nettle succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained two days earlier when he was shot during an escape attempt from the city jail, located in the old City Hall. The city marshal was returning four prisoners to their cells after supper when one of the men objected to being separated. He and the marshal began to struggle, at which time the marshal's gun fell from its holster. As one of the prisoners picked it up Officer Nettle entered the room and grabbed him from behind, pinning his arms down. As Officer Nettled held onto the man another prisoner approached him from behind, grabbed his gun from its holster, and opened fire. The first round struck the prisoner Officer Nettle was holding, killing him instantly. The man then shot Officer Nettle in the back as he bent over, with the round exiting his neck. The man then fled the scene but was arrested a short time later. Officer Nettle never regained consciousness before dying on May 19, 1919. The prisoner who murdered Officer Nettle was sentenced to 10 years in prison for manslaughter. Officer Nettle was survived by his mother, five brothers, and two sisters.

K-9 Deuce (End of Watch 10/29/2014)

K-9 Deuce
End of Watch: October 29, 2014
Cause: Medical event / Seizure

K-9 Deuce was a full bred German Shepard who was born in Germany on June 05, 2005. He joined the Tempe Police K-9 Unit in 2008, and was trained in suspect apprehension and narcotics detection. K-9 Deuce especially excelled in narcotics detection, having over 300 narcotic finds during his career. On the evening of October 29, 2014, Deuce and his handler, Sgt. Jeff McHenry engaged in weekly proficiency training involving engaging and biting a suspect decoy. After completing the training scenario and receiving his reward, Deuce experienced a neurological event believed to be a seizure. Deuce was given CPR at the scene and was transported to an emergency veterinary hospital. Despite all efforts, Deuce could not be revived. He passed with his handler, Sgt. McHenry and the Tempe PD K-9 Unit at his side.

K-9 Baloo (End of Watch 7/1/2008)

K-9 Baloo
End of Watch: July 1, 2008
Cause: Fall

K-9 Baloo was a patrol-trained and narcotics-trained police dog. He joined the Tempe Police Department in 2004. On the evening of June 30, 2008, Officer John Holdinsky and Baloo, responded to a call about two male suspects who were possibly attempting to steal copper. The suspects were last seen running into the fenced-in Farmer Street Lofts Project, which was under construction. Baloo was searching the roof and fell more than 40 feet. Veterinarians worked valiantly to save K-9 Baloo, but the dog passed away with his handler, Holdinsky and his wife, Carol, and members of the Tempe K-9 Unit at his side.

K-9 Murph (End of Watch 11/21/1986)

K-9 Murph
End of Watch: Nov. 21, 1986
Cause: Gunfire

K-9 Murph became a Tempe Police K-9 on February 1981. Along with his handler, K-9 Handler Ofc. C. Araiza, the two participated in 336 building searches, 348 area searches, 24 narcotic searches and arrested 45 felony suspects. Araiza and Murph had received eight departmental commendations during their assignment together. On Nov. 21, 1986, an armed suspect who had shot a Scottsdale Police Officer and injured several other citizens in Scottsdale, fled into Tempe. Officer David Lewis pursued the suspect even though his patrol car had been struck by gunfire. During the pursuit, the suspect kidnapped 6-year-old Robbie Hughes as he was walking home from Meyer School and held him hostage. Sgt. Ralph Tranter tried to rescue the boy. He was shot in the face and yet still managed to locate the young hostage and drag the hostage to safety. Officer Araiza sent Murph into the home to confront the suspect while other members of the tactical team forced entry through the front door. Tragically, Murph was shot by the suspect and later died of his wounds. Murph heroically assisted Tempe officers with arresting this very dangerous suspect and bringing this incident to an end.