🌱 Mock Monsoon Rescues + New Necessary Force Laws For PPD

Good morning, neighbors! I'm back with your new edition of the Phoenix Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out the most important things going on these days in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 100 Low: 75.

From our sponsor:

Today’s Phoenix Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Phoenix Patch newsletter possible.

Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. Ahead of monsoon season, the Phoenix Fire Department ran through a series of mock rescue drills early Wednesday morning in the canal to prepare for potential saves that will be made during the storms. Monsoon seasons bring in the need to be prepared for all scenarios, such as cars being washed away in the storms and the need to rescue stranded citizens on top of their vehicles via airlift. The department's rescue technicians are trained for rescues in all different terrains such as water, mountain, and other specialized situations. (Arizona's Family)
2. Three individuals have pleaded guilty to their involvement in getting guns for Essa Williams, who was charged with the alleged shooting of Phoenix Police Officer Tyler Moldovan. Williams's trial will begin this October for the December 2021 shooting of Officer Moldovan; due to previous felonies, he was not able to legally possess a firearm during the incident and received assistance from three others. Williams's mother Erika Williams pleaded guilty this past May to making false material statements to help her son procure the illegal weapon, while Williams's girlfriend Alice Berdicchia also pleaded guilty to knowingly hiding and bringing the weapon to him. Dwyane Keith Anderson additionally pleaded guilty to assisting in making a false statement which helped Williams avoid the background check. All three of these individuals involved are set to appear in court at the end of July and in August; if convicted, they all face from five to 10 years in prison. (KTAR.com)
3. The Phoenix Police Department has recently just released several big changes made to the department's use of force policy, in an effort to lower the number of deadly incidents involving officers. A total of 44 changes were made, including clearer and more precise language for both officers and the public to understand the policy. The police department hopes that the community will continue to give more feedback and tips on the updated policy, as well as see that the department wants to work with the community and is willing to listen. (Arizona's Family)

Here's to our local sponsor. Check out what they can do for you:

Do you have large medical bills? Resolve helps everyday patients get a fair price on their medical bills. They do it all from appealing insurance, negotiating with the hospital, finding billing errors, and finding financial assistance opportunities. Medical bills are what they do. See how Resolve has saved patients $28 Million and how they can help you too here.

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

Today in and around Phoenix:

Thursday, June 15

• Live And Local! Featuring Live Acoustic Music By Gabo Fayuca At AC Hotel by Marriott Phoenix Biltmore (4:30 PM)
• Clean Comedy Open Mic Night At Stir Crazy Comedy Club, Glendale (7:00 PM)
• J.White & Friends Concert Series Featuring Cocoa Brown At Hyatt Regency Phoenix (7:00 PM)
• Super Love: Bliss Out At Sutra Studios (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Phoenix Fire Department has extended the application deadline to be a PHXFire Emergency Dispatcher. You can apply here by Jun. 26 for an opportunity to join the team. (Phoenix Fire Department via Facebook)
• The city of Phoenix is proudly supporting the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month, and of course, that extends to the libraries. The Cesar Chavez Library has several books celebrating the community including hand-picked titles; you can follow the link here and see what options are waiting to be checked out. (Phoenix Public Library via Facebook)
• With Juneteenth here next week and the city of Phoenix observing the day as a City Holiday, it is important to educate those who may not know what the significance of the day is. Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom and is known as the oldest commemoration of the abolishment of slavery in the country. (City of Phoenix, AZ USA via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Faceless Digital — (Visit website)

Featured events:

• PHX FrayLife // Friday Night Lights (June 16)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (June 17)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (June 20)

Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.