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I met with Tucson Fire Department (TFD) leadership this week after attending an emotional Annual Fallen Firefighter Ceremony on Saturday at the memorial plaza in front of Fire Headquarters. You can learn more about the plaza at tucsonfirememorial.org.
 The Tucson Fallen Firefighters Memorial, located outside 300 S. Fire Central Pl. Photo by Ziemba Photographic Arts, available at tucsonfirememorial.org.
From personal experience, I know firefighters are heroes because a TFD team once saved the life of a family member in trouble. Their jobs are incredibly stressful and dangerous, and not just because of the physical challenges of putting out fires. During their careers, many are exposed to high levels of toxic fumes and substances which result in abnormally high incidences of cancer.
Memorial keynote speaker Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, former U.S. Fire Administrator, detailed those impacts and told us that the University of Arizona and TFD are on the forefront of studying the toxic exposure problem. They have developed some procedures (such as decontamination at the incident site rather than after returning to the station) and treatments that will better protect firefighters.
The program included bagpipers playing Amazing Grace, presentation of roses, flag folding, an honor guard bell ringing, words from surviving family members, and at its end I was all tears. The ten TFD fire fighters who lost their lives in the line of duty, and the retirees whose lives were cut short from occupational cancer, were honored and will surely never be forgotten.
 A moment during the ceremony, as captured by Ziemba Photographic Arts.
Ward 3 met this week with Chief Sharon McDonough, the first woman to lead TFD, and her leadership team. Chief McDonough previously served as director of Public Safety Communications, firefighter, and paramedic.
At this briefing we learned TFD is working to increase recruitment and retention, reducing unneeded calls for fire trucks by providing free tele-health help to 911 callers, piloting a roving Peak Volume Truck, and preventing unneeded fire alarms from hotspots like prisons and care homes. There is a pilot as part of Tucson’s Safer City initiative that has other city staff with social service experience respond to “rescue nature unknown” calls – for instance a driver reporting seeing someone at a bus stop who might be dead or just sleeping – thus keeping a fully staffed fire truck from being deployed.
 From left to right: Ward 3 Council Aide Jonathan Courtney, Assistant Fire Chief Lewis Harris, Assistant Fire Chief Paul Anderson, Ward 3 Council Aide Naomi Lee, Assistant Fire Chief Paul Moore, Assistant Fire Chief Barrett Baker, Strategic Communications Administrator Alicia Rubio, Fire Cheif Sharon McDonough, and Warde 3 Council Member Kevin Dahl.
My project to find an alternative to the City’s A-Mountain Fourth of July fireworks – supported by Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz – received 100% support. The Fourth of July tends to be the highest call load of the year. Freeing up TFD resources assigned to A-Mountain would mean better service across the city. A laser or drone show, as is done elsewhere, would be beautiful, and would make that evening safer. It would quiet the neighborhood, to the great benefit of terrified dogs, sleeping babies, and veterans who are triggered by explosive noises.
Tucson has 659 commissioned firefighters and 19 stations. We need more staff and some additional resources. And based on call load we need three more stations: two on the east side and one in Ward 3 located somewhere near Stone and Grant. The next couple of years we will have a tight city budget, but I will work to find whatever resources we can to support the great work of our Tucson Fire Department, including a potential Public Safety sales tax proposition.
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Since our last newsletter a week ago, another American citizen has been murdered by federal agents in Minneapolis. This time, the victim was 37-year-old V.A. nurse Alex Pretti.
Mr. Pretti was trying to help a woman up who had just been shoved by a DHS agent. He was shot 10 times by two agents in 5 seconds, in the back, while he was restrained on the ground. Here is a good breakdown of the incident from the New York Times.
Technology
Immigration raids are increasing in Tucson. Many people in our City have organized and are utilizing whatever tools they can to inform other members of our community where I.C.E. has struck. Whether relying on apps like Signal or livecasting through social media in order to get the word out. The use of technology has not been a balanced one. Tech firms have disproportionately sided with aiding the U.S. Government’s efforts in tracking and surveilling civilian movements, while impeding access to technology that can inform the public of the presence of Federal agents.
 It is no secret that I.C.E. tracking apps have been banned from both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store at the behest of the Trump Administration. Apps like ICE Block and Red Dot were removed from both platforms and effectively rendered useless. Enter ICEout.org. They developed a browser-based tool for real-time reporting called People Over Papers. The tool functions as a crowd-sourced map that is run by volunteer moderators. It is equipped with a vast array of functionality, such as video and photo uploads, a drop pin option, and even a filter to search through different dates to see where the raids happened on that day.
 Screenshot from People Over Papers website showing a photo of an I.C.E. siting in progress.
Currently, it is one of the few tools that are available to the public that aid in documenting I.C.E sightings. It is free to use and available on all devices that have access to a browser, so there is no need to download anything. They do, however, accept donations if you are so inclined to help out with their all-volunteer efforts.
We have additional resources under our "Announcements" section towards the bottom of our newsletter. Stay vigilant, Tucson.
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Council Member Dahl recently joined the Department of Transportation to celebrate the ribbon cutting for the Roger Road improvement project. This milestone event marked the completion of long needed infrastructure upgrades to this portion of Ward 3.
 DTM Deputy Director Andy Bemis, Council Member Dahl, students from Academy del Sol, Mayor Romero, Flowing Wells resident Matt Somers , and 2018 Parks + Connections Bond Oversight Commission Chair Dr. Ron Spark.
The Roger Road project delivers improvements for all modes of transportation. Enhancements include buffered bike lanes, nearly a mile of new roadway, and fully connected sidewalks on both sides of the street. The project also added curb ramps, improved street crossings with two new push-button pedestrian signals, lighting, and Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI). Landscaping improvements were extensive, with the planting of 102 native trees, 119 cacti, and more than 1,800 native and desert-adapted plants, along with the installation of seven new benches and two seat walls.
Nearby residents utilizing one of the new pedestrian crossings.
These investments were made possible through two voter-approved initiatives. Proposition 407 funded improvements to the sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, lighting, and green stormwater infrastructure. Proposition 411 funded the new roadway and striping that will create buffered bike lanes from Pomona to Flowing Wells and from Fairview to Oracle.
 One of the two airplane sculptures along the walking path.
In addition to transportation upgrades, the project incorporated beautification elements. The art installations of two planes were added to honor the historic Gilpin Airport, an airfield that once operated in the area and remains an important part of the neighborhood’s history.
Following the ceremony, I had the opportunity to speak with nearby residents and students, who expressed excitement about the improvements. One resident, Gia, shared how much she appreciates not only driving on a smoother road, but also the renewed pride neighbors have in seeing investment return to the community.
 Council Member Dahl and Dr. Spark cutting parts of the ribbon to give to participants as mementos.
And there’s more to come! The new bike lanes along Roger Road will eventually connect to additional safety projects planned for Romero and Fairview. To learn more about completed, ongoing, and upcoming City projects, I encourage you to visit the Tucson Delivers website, to find more information about projects like this happening throughout the city.
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 ID# A888717
Age: 1 year
Qualities:
Rudolph is the sweetest foster pup, and he’s officially ready to find his forever home. He’s a red-nose pitbull with a big heart and an even bigger love for people. If you’re looking for a dog who’s affectionate, easy to be around, and just absolutely adorable, Rudolph is just that.
Fee:
Rudolph has a $0 adoption fee. A $20 license fee applies to adult dogs. Adoption includes spay or neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip, and a free vet visit.
Contact:
Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N. Silverbell Rd.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 12pm - 7pm.
Wednesday 1:30-7pm. Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm.
 ID# A835997
Age: 13 years
Qualities:
Koomo is sweet, loving, and handsome. His foster says he seems to do well with other cats. He loves to hang out with his person. He likes catnip toys, and he really enjoys trying to catch fish on the iPad. Most of the day, he just loves looking out the window or snacking on some treats. Don't expect him to be enthusiastic about chicken and beef-flavored food, though. Koomo is more into seafood!
Fee:
Koomo has a $0 adoption fee. A $20 license fee applies to adult dogs. Adoption includes spay or neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip, and a free vet visit.
Contact:
Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N. Silverbell Rd.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 12pm - 7pm.
Wednesday 1:30-7pm. Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm.
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Mountain View Neighborhood "Meet Your Neighbors"
Saturday 1/31, 3-4 pm
Habitat for Humanity, 3501 N. Mountain Ave.
Barrio Blue Moon Neighborhood Association
Sunday 2/01, 2-3 pm
Blue Moon Community Garden, 1375 N. 13th Ave.
La Madera Neighborhood Association
Saturday, 2/07 from 9-10 am
La Madera Park, 2700 E. La Madera Dr.
The Ward 3 office is open at 1510 E. Grant Rd. from
9 am - 1 pm for walk-ins or later by appointment, Monday through Friday. Staff will answer phone messages, emails, and requests for meetings by the next business day. Leave your message at or email ward3@tucsonaz.gov.
Brush & Bulky Alley Service In 2026
 Feel free to type your address into the top left corner of this website to confirm your Brush and Bulky pickup dates and location.
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January 31:
Saturday
Vegetarian feast at Southside Presbyterian Church at 6 pm.
February 7:
Saturday
Mountain Avenue Protected Bike Lane Project 10-11:30 AM At Mitchell Park, 1100 E Mitchell Street
Learn more about traffic safety improvements coming to Mountain Avenue (Speedway to Fort Lowell) and review the design concept layout. This project is part of Prop 411 – Tucson Delivers: Safe Streets, protected bike lanes will be installed along Mountain Avenue to improve safety.
https://bit.ly/mountain-avenue
 Febrero 7:
Sabado
Proyecto de Ciclovia Protegida en Mountain Avenue De 10-11:30 AM En Mitchell Park, 1100 E Mitchell Street
Ven a conocer las mejoras de seguridad vial que vienen para Mountain Avenue (de Speedway a Fort Lowell) y a revisar el diseño propuesto. Este proyecto es parte de la Propuesta 411 – Tucson Cumple: se instalarán carriles protegidos para bicicletas a lo largo de Mountain Avenue para mejorar la seguridad.
https://bit.ly/mountain-avenue
February 7:
Saturday
Save Our Saguaros Kick-off Event at A Mountain 9 AM - Noon
February is Save Our Saguaros Month!
Every year we celebrate our special saguaros and raise awareness about the impact of invasive species like buffelgrass and stinknet on our biodiverse ecosystem. We and our partners host numerous volunteer pulling events throughout the month - including our big Kickoff Pull held on “A” Mountain.
February 19:
Thursday
Southern Arizona Home Share Meeting
February 21:
Saturday
River Run Network Creek Walk: Danny Lopez Park 10-11:30 AM
 Join the River Run Network and Friends of Danny Lopez Park for a stroll through the Santa Cruz River floodplain. Framed by effluent flow from the Agua Nueva outfalls and Silverbell Lake, this vibrant area supports lush vegetation, abundant wildlife, and serves as a vital cooling corridor for our city.
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Preparedness Resources For Immigrant Families
Community Rapid Response Team https://rapidresponsetucson.com, 520-221-4077
 A handy bilingual Know Your Rights card for your wallet (pictured below) is available free, in quantities, from Ward 3 or at the Gloo Factory.
Family Preparedness Plan for Immigrant Families, in English and Spanish. Click the buttons below to download a PDF file of the plans.
Other resources:
Centenarians Wanted:
Submit a centenarian's name to SeniorServices@tmcaz.com or call 520-324-1960 by February 27, 2026.
Dodge Flower Neighborhood Yard Sale
Saturday, February 28th 9am-1pm
Parking lot of the Tucson Lighthouse Church.
Sell items
Clean out your closet while making extra money.
Booths are free of charge for Dodge-Flower neighborhood residents. Others are $10 for a 10' x 10' . Be sure to reserve today because space is first come, first serve. To reserve your booth, please either email : Dodgeflower85716@gmail.com or text or call (520) 261-2715
Donate items
Not planning to host your own booth? You can still help out by donating your gently used items to the neighborhood association! Proceeds from donations will fund neighborhood improvement projects. Please email Dodgeflower85716@gmail.com for pickup or drop off.
Attend the Event
Winter Warming Center in Ward 3 From 5 - 9 AM
Where: Inside the Ward 3 Community Room at 1510 E. Grant Road.
When: Monday through Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., through March 13.
What: Guests are provided a simple breakfast, coffee, a warm indoor space, and on-site resource navigation.
Pets are welcome.
St. Francis Community Services Food Pantry Has Moved
Find Food Access Resources In Tucson
Tucson food assistance providers are seeing a sharp rise in demand from families affected by delayed federal benefits, such as SNAP and WIC. At the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, there is an increase in first-time visitors, many of whom had never sought food assistance before. Volunteers are working overtime to assemble emergency food boxes for those suddenly without access to those benefits. The Community Food Bank offers help multiple times a week during varying hours continues to distribute food at its main location, 3003 S. Country Club Road, and through partner agencies across Southern Arizona. Officials urge residents in need to reach out early, as local inventories may fluctuate if the shutdown continues. You can also find a list of food resources by following the This is Tucson link below.
Grocery Sharing at Tucson Food Share - 2500 N. Stone Ave.
Groceries are shared Mondays 4:30 - 6 pm, Thursdays 6 - 7:30 pm, and Saturdays from 8 - 9:30 am.
https://tucsonfoodshare.org has more information about volunteering, donating, or requesting delivery.
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