Arizona Department of Public Safety, Arizona
End of Watch Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Add to My HeroesHunter R. Bennett
Trooper Hunter Bennett was killed in a helicopter crash while assisting the Flagstaff Police Department with an active shooter.
Around 8:30 p.m., Flagstaff Police officers were responding to a domestic violence call when a subject began shooting at officers with a long rifle. The subject continued to fire at officers as he ran from rooftop to rooftop in the neighborhood. After 9:00 p.m., Trooper Bennett and Aviation Supervisor Robert Skankey responded with tactical support. At 10:17, the Ranger 56 helicopter crashed, killing Trooper Bennett and the pilot.
An investigation revealed a mechanical problem with the main rotor. Since the helicopter was flying so low, the pilot did not have an opportunity to recover.
The suspect was apprehended and is in the hospital with non-life-threatening wounds.
Trooper Bennett had served with the Arizona Department of Public Safety for over three years. Survivors include his wife.
Bio
- Age 28
- Tour 3 years, 8 months
- Badge 11215
Incident Details
- Cause Aircraft accident
Contact
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Most Recent Reflection
View all 75 ReflectionsOn behalf of Point 27, we would like to offer condolences for Trooper Hunter Bennett. Please know we are eternally grateful for Hunter’s service and his ultimate sacrifice.
To honor Trooper Hunter Bennett, Point 27 sent Thin Blue Line Dog Tag Necklaces, engraved with “Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be called children of God” Matthew 5:9, to the Arizona Department of Public Safety in Phoenix, Arizona for Hunter’s partner and fellow troopers. Point 27 also sent Folded Flag Necklaces engraved with “Greater Love has no one than this; than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend” John 15:13 for Trooper Hunter Bennett’s family.
Point 27 is a Non-Profit organization with a mission to strengthen and encourage members of the Armed Forces, First Responders, and their families, with God’s Word inscribed on Shields of Strength jewelry.
We will never forget and we are forever grateful for Hunter.
Respectfully,
Colonel David Dodd,
United States Army Retired
Executive Director-Point 27
Linda Rhodes
Surviving Wife of Detective Jerry M. Rhodes, Dallas Police Department Retired
Point 27 National Outreach Coordinator
Law Enforcement Liaison
[email protected]
972-978-5325
Linda Rhodes
February 25, 2026
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