Arizona Mourns Fallen State Trooper with Heartfelt Funeral Service
The state of Arizona came together on a solemn Friday in Kingman to honor the memory of Arizona Department of Public Safety Pilot, Robert Skankey. Family, friends, state officials, and law enforcement personnel gathered to pay their final respects to the 61-year-old, who tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash on February 4 in Flagstaff.
During the service held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs addressed attendees, acknowledging Skankey’s dedication and contributions. “He represented the very best of Arizona, a man guided by faith, committed to uplifting others, and deeply devoted to his community,” Hobbs remarked, underscoring the profound impact of Skankey’s service.
Before joining the state police in 2021, Skankey served as a Marine veteran, accumulating over 5,100 flight hours. His eldest son, also named Robert Skankey, shared personal reflections, stating, “It’s hard to say goodbye. Dad hated it. He’d always say, ‘See you later.’ He was everything that a father should be. He was kind, generous, edifying and patient. He was an excellent mentor and a guide, and I am who I am today because of him and his efforts.”
Preparations are underway for another memorial service for DPS trooper and paramedic Hunter Bennett, aged 28, scheduled for Monday in Gilbert. In tribute to both fallen troopers, Governor Hobbs has mandated that flags at all state buildings be flown at half-staff on the respective days of their funerals.
The helicopter crash occurred while the troopers were providing air support to Flagstaff police amidst a shootout in a local neighborhood. The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the incident.
On the night of February 4, a west Flagstaff neighborhood was placed under a shelter-in-place order as police engaged in a gunfire exchange with a suspect, who was eventually apprehended. Further details from local residents about their experiences during the incident can be found on KNAU.
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