Arizona DPS Honors Sergeant Manny Tapia's Sacrifice

Staff Report / tempelocal.org

**Arizona DPS Remembers Fallen Hero, Sergeant Manny Tapia**

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) commemorates the life and service of Sergeant Manuel “Manny” Tapia (#1409), who was tragically killed in the line of duty on January 7, 1991.

Sergeant Tapia, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, had served with the AZDPS for 17 years. On the night of January 7, 1991, while conducting a traffic stop in Nogales, Sergeant Tapia encountered a suspected drug trafficker. During the stop, Sergeant Tapia requested the suspect to open the vehicle's trunk. The suspect fled on foot, and Sergeant Tapia pursued him. While being chased, the suspect turned and fatally shot Sergeant Tapia. He was rushed to Tucson Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries the following morning, January 8, 1991.

The suspect was later shot and killed by a Nogales police officer in the line of duty.

Sergeant Manny Tapia’s sacrifice continues to be remembered by his family, colleagues, and the community he served. The AZDPS honors his dedication, bravery, and ultimate sacrifice, ensuring his memory lives on through their commitment to public safety.

#WeWillNeverForget



Source: Arizona DPS

Source Type: Police

Source Location:

Jan 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM Police

Artlink Phoenix CEO Outlines Downtown Arts Vision

Catrina Kahler, president and chief executive of Artlink Phoenix, says the arts are "by and for artists" and benefit the broader community as her advocacy reshaped Downtown Phoenix, with a Creative City Conversation set for Nov. 15, 2023, at 4 p.m. at FoundRE.

Apr 2, 2026 at 1:17 PM Business

RISO to Perform at Tempe Center for the Arts

RISO brings its hypnotic Tucson-grown sound to the Tempe Center for the Arts' 48 LIVE stage on April 23, blending sweet vocals and layered acoustic instrumentals with echoes of old-time traditions and modern textures.

Mar 31, 2026 at 5:01 PM Community

AZDPS Seeks Dispatchers, Call-Takers in Phoenix, Tucson

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is hiring dispatchers and call-takers for Phoenix and Tucson, offering salaries up to $69,614 and promoting the role as “Powered by coffee, calls, and coordination,” with applicants urged to visit recruitment.azdps.gov for more information.

Mar 30, 2026 at 7:02 PM Police

ASU Alumni to Participate in Cyclovia Tucson

Arizona State University alumni in Tempe say Sun Devils will participate in Cyclovia Tucson on Sunday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring car-free streets, a Downtown Tucson to Amphi route for walking, biking or skating, and a stop at Sparky’s Snapshot to earn free ASU swag.

Mar 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM College

Patagonia man arrested in fatal SR 77 incident in Tucson

A 52-year-old Patagonia man was arrested March 9, 2026, on a charge of failure to stop at the scene of an accident involving death in connection with a September 2025 fatality on SR 77 near Golder Ranch Road after detectives say the victim was riding in the bed of the pickup and Crawford did not stop or report the crash.

Mar 16, 2026 at 2:00 PM Police

BMCC leaders attend CCID 50th-anniversary conference

BMCC leaders, including President Anthony E. Munroe, attended CCID's 50th-anniversary conference in Tucson, Arizona, to join international education leaders in discussing global partnerships and the future of international education.

Mar 5, 2026 at 10:44 AM College

Phoenix event honors Trooper Hunter Bennett and Pilot Robert Skankey

More than 1,000 people gathered at the Arizona Department of Public Safety headquarters in Phoenix to honor Trooper/Paramedic Hunter Bennett and Pilot Robert Skankey, as the event organized by the Fraternal Order of Police Grand Canyon State Lodge 32 and the Arizona State Troopers Association was followed by planned barbecue fundraisers in Flagstaff, Tucson and Kingman to support the families.

Feb 12, 2026 at 6:41 PM Police

Pie’d Piper Offers Heart-Shaped Pizzas, Donates for Kids

Pizzeria sells heart-shaped pizzas, donating $1 per pizza to children’s hospitals.

Feb 1, 2026 at 10:32 AM restaurant

ASU Alumni Dinner in Tucson January 29

ASU Alumni offer free dinner for Sun Devils in Tucson January 29.

Jan 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM College

ASU Alumni Gather for Exclusive Sun Devil Viewing

ASU alumni watch Sun Devils game at Barrio Brewing Co. in Tucson.

Jan 14, 2026 at 11:01 AM College