FLAGSTAFF — Arizona officials share their response to the deadly helicopter crash that took the lives of two DPS crew members on Wednesday night.
On Thursday morning, authorities held a news conference and released details on the gun battle between Flagstaff Police officers, a DPS trooper and the suspect before the Arizona DPS helicopter crashed.
Before the news conference started, they held a moment of silence for the two fallen DPS crew members.
In an emotional statement, Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly said the impact of this loss is immense. "I stand here a little broken. Our city and our state have experienced a significant loss."
The City of Flagstaff released the following statement:
Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett said, “I am so proud of the men and women of the Flagstaff Police Department for their heroic actions last night. Their work to protect our community and detain an active shooter saved many lives.
Tragically, the lives of two Arizona Department of Public Safety officers who were assisting Flagstaff Police ended when their helicopter crashed. I want to express my heartfelt sympathy to the families of these officers, DPS, and the entire law enforcement community for their loss. The City of Flagstaff stands ready to support you.”
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The Phoenix Police Department released the following statement:
The Phoenix Police Department would like to send our deepest condolences to the families and the Arizona Department of Public Safety during this difficult time. We mourn the loss of their two members who died last night in the line of duty. pic.twitter.com/8jwmYYYDOo
— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) February 5, 2026
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office:
Sheriff Jerry Sheridan and the entire Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office extends our prayers and deepest condolences to our partners at the Arizona Department of Public Safety in light of the tragic incident in Flagstaff late last night. pic.twitter.com/qMb87mMIy8
— Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (@MCSOAZ) February 5, 2026
The Pima County Sheriff's Department released the following on X:
PCSD extends our deepest condolences to our partners at the @Arizona_DPS following last night’s tragic ranger helicopter crash.
— Pima County Sheriff's Department (@PimaSheriff) February 5, 2026
We mourn this heartbreaking loss alongside the DPS family & the law enforcement community. pic.twitter.com/sEqp6ijZO6
El Mirage Police:
Our hearts are with the Arizona DPS family and everyone affected by last evening’s helicopter crash. We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones, colleagues, and community during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/UVRZQIUMTo
— El Mirage Police (@ElMiragePD) February 5, 2026
The Arizona State University Police Department:
We are deeply saddened and stand with the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen DPS troopers and the Arizona Department of Public Safety as they mourn this loss. Their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/niytJj6Ihs
— Arizona State University Police Department (@ASUPolice) February 5, 2026
Arizona Trooper's Fraternal Order of Police released the following statement on X:
With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of two @Arizona_DPS heroes who were killed late last night in a helicopter crash. Please keep their families in your thoughts and prayers.#AZTroopers #LODD pic.twitter.com/xS7xTWEaJq
— Arizona Trooper’s FOP Lodge 32 (@AZ_FOP_32) February 5, 2026
