March 21 – April 3, 2015 www.SanTanSun.com
Chandler’s finest remembered, honored during ceremony BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
The Chandler Police Department honored a few of its own during its annual awards ceremony on March 11. Among those remembered was Officer David Payne who was killed when a drunk driver hit his motorcycle while he was on duty. “The Purple Heart award is given to recognize a member of the department who receives serious bodily injury as a result of a felonious assault,” says Sgt. Seth Tyler, Chandler Police Department public information officer. “This felonious assault must be by a suspect.” Tyler did not attend the awards, due to a sick family member, but he heard that the ceremony was incredibly moving. “It’s definitely been a trying few months,” he said. Not only did Payne die, but Officer Bryan Holmes was killed the same week when the motorcycle he was riding to work was hit by an SUV at the intersection of Recker and Police Chief Sean Duggan (left) stands with the Officer of the Year Nathan Jacobs. Several police officers were honored Baseline roads. during an awards ceremony on March 11. Submitted photo The CPD’s morale seems to officers in one week, Tyler says. Tyler says. “He was a go-to guy, Any be improving despite the loss of two “Things are starting to build up again,” time you needed something done, he did it.
Armed with a background in economic development, Chris Andres is looking forward to bringing his experience to Chandler as he begins his stint as airport administrator for the Chandler Municipal Airport on March 23. “I’ve been fortunate enough to work with a variety of interests including the development community, regulatory agencies, community groups and airport businesses,” says Andres, who is leaving his post as business development administrator for the City of Phoenix Aviation Department’s real estate portfolio. “The opportunity to lead this airport and to be a part of such a highly regarded city government as Chandler is incredibly appealing to me.” Andres positioned the Phoenix Goodyear
The following employees and units were also honored: • The Unit Citation award is presented to a Department team or unit whose actions exemplify the mission statement of the Chandler Police Department. Three Department units were presented with a Unit Citation award: • Polar Ice Team Two: Sgts. Ray Kieffer Emma Bribiescas and Officers Leonard Bettendorf, Loranda Tibble, Gene Campbell, Jeffrey Delnero, Nate Eckwood, Nicole Cockerham, and Keith Aguiar • The Victim Services Unit: Katie Cain, Jean Watson, Denise Allen, and Veronica Vierra. SEE CHANDLER’S FINEST PAGE 14
Cancer survivors featured at March fashion show
Sky’s the limit for incoming airpark leader BY KEN ABRAMCZYK
“You didn’t have to ask him to redo anything. It was done right and in a timely manner. He’s the guy who gave 110 percent each and every shift he worked.” He wasn’t the only officer honored. Nathan Jacobs was dubbed Police Officer of the Year for his work on revamping the report writing procedures.
Airport for new opportunities in the West Valley and negotiated and executed a development lease for a fixed base operator at that airport, according to Julie Rodriguez, spokeswoman for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. “Chris led the development of the department’s real estate development strategy for off-airport properties at Sky Harbor and for new development at the Deer Valley and Goodyear airports,” Rodriguez said. Andres oversaw the city’s 550-acre commerce park, Phoenix Sky Harbor Center, and the business operations of Sky Harbor’s Rental Car Center. Rodriguez said Andres was a valuable member of the Phoenix Aviation team and he will be missed. In his new role, Andres expects to SEE SKY PAGE 4
WHAT IS YOUR HOME WORTH TODAY? SEE PAGE 18
BY MEGHAN MCCOY
Being diagnosed with thyroid cancer at age 33 was tough on Shannon Schiefer. She didn’t have any symptoms, but after bloodwork showed an overactive thyroid, her doctor suggested additional testing. “I met with a physician. His wife had thyroid cancer and he asked. “Why don’t we do an ultrasound?” the Chander resident recalls. Much to her surprise, nodules were found and a thyroidectomy was performed. Additionally, she underwent whole body radiation. A full-time employee at Cancer Support Community, a nonprofit dedicated to providing support, education and hope to cancer patients and families, Schiefer had the support she needed. “I was 33 years old and I didn’t know
anybody who had cancer at my age,” she says. “So ironically, working for the Cancer Support Community was extremely helpful.” Schiefer is giving back to the organization that helped her so much. She is one of 18 models who are cancer survivors participating in the “Sharing Our Beauty and Strength—A Fashion Event to Celebrate the Power of Community,” from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, March 28. The fashion show, which benefits the Cancer Support Community, will be held at its office at 360 E. Palm Ln., Phoenix. “I love to support the Cancer Support Community in any way,” Schiefer says. “I think it’s wonderful to use cancer survivors to feature the designs they are doing because it is the great beauty and strength that comes through someone who is going
F E AT U R E STO R I E S Bike with mayor at Chandler Family Bike Ride . . . . . . . . . . . . .COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 Fitness Forum offers clientele a low-key environment . . . . . . .BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page19 Local second grader wins ‘I Can Do It’ award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .YOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 27 The Country Clipper Barbershop is a Chandler tradition . . . . . . .NEIGHBORS . . . . . . . . . . . Page 41 38 Special’s career comes full circle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 59
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