Weekend stories from Arizona you may have missed
Sep 11, 2017, 9:22 AM | Updated: 4:18 pm
Phoenix Fire in The Orlando Convention Center (photo courtesy of Phoenix Fire).
(photo courtesy of Phoenix Fire)
PHOENIX — In case you missed it, some newsworthy Arizona-related events happened over the weekend.
Locals help relief efforts in Texas, Florida
Members of the Phoenix Fire Department arrived in Orlando on Saturday to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. The crew will stay at the Orlando Convention Center, according to the department.
Irma made landfall in Florida on Sunday afternoon, with winds reaching over 140 mph in Naples. The ferocity of the storm was seen on social media over the weekend with various videos spreading through Twitter.
In Texas, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management’s incident management team was assigned to an eastern portion of the state to assist with cleanup and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey.
The team has been working with local law enforcement to help in Bridge City.
Among the team’s responsibilities in Bridge City include strengthening fire protection and the coordination of public health capabilities. They will also assign National Guard members and firefighters to create a Texas Point of Distribution site in order to ensure residents are receiving the proper and necessary supplies.
The group’s efforts have already made an impact, as they’ve helped distribute over 3,000 packages of ice, water and food.
McCain reminds “You’ve got to have joy’
U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said in a TV interview Sunday that despite his ongoing battle with brain cancer, “… you’ve got to have joy — joy.”
The 81-year-old returned to the Senate last week, after undergoing the first round of treatment in a Phoenix hospital in August.
McCain was diagnosed with a brain tumor in July.
Missing girl found safe
A Phoenix girl was found safe after disappearing from home with her dog for a day.
Police said Valerie Cockrill went missing Friday evening and was found Saturday.
Tower challenges honor 9/11 losses
Hundreds of Arizona first responders participated in the 9/11 Tower Challenge Friday at Gila River Arena in Glendale for the second year.
The climb, which recreates the number of steps climbed in the Twin Towers during the 9/11 attacks, raises money for the 100 Club of Arizona and the Arizona Fighter Country Foundation. The foundation supports military members and their families who are stationed at Luke Air Force base.
The challenge is in memory of the 414 first responders who lost their lives.
Another climb was held at Northern Arizona University’s Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff on Friday.
U.S. Rep. Martha McSally (R-Ariz.) planned to participate in the 9/11 Tower Challenge at the University of Arizona stadium in Tucson on Monday.
