Honoring Two DPS Crewmembers of Flagstaff Helicopter Crash

Governor Katie Hobbs ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise Feb. 7 until sunset on Feb. 8 in honor of two Arizona Department of Public Safety crewmembers who tragically lost their lives in a line-of-duty helicopter crash on Wednesday evening.

Arizona Department of Public Safety State Trooper-Paramedic Hunter R. Bennett and Pilot Air Rescue Aviation Supervisor Robert B. Skankey were called to act as air support in an active-shooter incident in Flagstaff. Bennett had served DPS since 2022 and is survived by his wife. Skankey, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, served DPS since 2021 and is survived by his wife and four children.

Governor Hobbs issued the following statement:

“Arizona owes immense gratitude to DPS State Trooper-Paramedic Hunter R. Bennett and DPS Pilot Air Rescue Aviation Supervisor Robert B. Skankey, whom we tragically lost this week. When they were called upon to help protect the Flagstaff community, they arrived without hesitation. This is a devastating loss for Arizona and for the aviation and law enforcement community. I’m sending my deepest condolences to these heroes’ families, loved ones, and colleagues.”

Individuals, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute.

For more information on half-staff orders in Arizona or to sign up for notifications, visit az.gov/half-staff-notices.