Governor Katie Hobbs ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Feb. 20 and from sunrise to sunset on Feb. 23 in honor of the interments of two Arizona Department of Public Safety crewmembers who tragically lost their lives in a line-of-duty helicopter crash on Feb. 4.

Arizona Department of Public Safety State Trooper-Paramedic Hunter R. Bennett and Pilot/Air Rescue Aviation Supervisor Robert B. Skankey were called to act in support of 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.

A memorial service is scheduled for Robert B. Skankey on Feb. 20.

A memorial service is scheduled for Hunter R. Bennett on Feb. 23.

Governor Hobbs issued the following statement:

“We will never forget Hunter R. Bennett and Robert B. Skankey, two members of our Department of Public Safety community who dedicated their lives to serving fellow Arizonans. This is a tragic loss, and I know people across the state join me in sending our deepest condolences to these heroes’ families, friends, and communities, as well as their colleagues at DPS.”

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