City Comes To Park’s Aid
A.J. lends equipment, police patrols to Lost Dutchman State Park
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
The News
When the Arizona State Parks system sent a letter to Mayor John Insalaco asking for help in maintaining Lost Dutchman State Park, the City jumped at the chance.
   “A couple of months back, the State Parks Director Renee Bahl sent literally hundreds of letters to communities all across Arizona,” said Steve Filipowicz, the City’s economic development director.
   “They explained their budget difficulties with the state budget and how they were having trouble keeping the state parks open and manned. They were seeking to establish local partnerships with communities, local governments, ways that the City could pitch in and help them maintain their operations. It’s technically not inside the City limits, but we’re reaching out to them in response to them asking for help.”
   The City of Apache Junction was the first city to respond to the calls for help. Over the course of time, the City has had numerous meetings with the parks department as well as community organizations. The Arizona Horse Council decided to do trail improvements. The City told the parks department that there was surplus City property that perhaps it could use. The Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce donated hand tools to the park.

See A-1 and see Park, A-8

AJFD: CCR Saves Lives
Procedure shows increase in patient survival rates
“Home for the Holidays” takes on a special meaning for two local residents who recently suffered heart emergencies, or “heart attacks” and were treated by Apache Junction Fire District paramedics. Each was the recipient of a newer life-saving protocol used by emergency medical personnel in which continuous chest compressions were applied during the course of their emergency treatment.
   Cardio Cerebral Resuscitation (CCR) has been used by paramedics and emergency medical personnel since 2005 and has shown a significant increase in patient survival rates, said Deputy Fire Chief Dave Montgomery, the AJFD’s public information officer.
   “However, in both these cases, the missing component that provides the greatest chance for the victim to survive is the basic lifesaving technique we have been learning about for many years, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR),” Montgomery said. “When bystanders are willing and able to perform CPR until emergency medical personnel arrive to begin CCR and defibrillation, the survival rate increases to 38 percent.”

See A-1 and see CCR, A-9

AJPD Unveils New Service To Residents
‘Nixle’ will warn citizens of public safety threats, community events
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
The News
The Apache Junction Police Department is introducing a service to the community that will allow residents to be notified of public safety threats and community events using the latest technology.
   This service, created by Nixle LLC, delivers important neighborhood-level public safety and community event notifications by Web, e-mail and cell phone.
   Police Chief Jerald Monahan said the innovative service is simple to use and free.
 Residents just need to sign up at www.nixle.com.
   “We, the police department, are very excited to present this service to our community,” Monahan said.
 “With the continued weakened economy your police department continues to strive to give you the best we can offer.
   “In continuation of the Apache Junction Police Department’s strategy, we will continue to look for innovative avenues to give our citizens the best service we can offer. While the economy continues to be a struggle for all us, the men and women of the AJPD are ever vigil to provide you, our community progressive professional services. As the New Year approaches another new service will be rolled out to our community (NIXLE). Nixle is a first-of-its-kind tool for communities that need to provide critical information to their residents. When it comes to public safety information (our priority), you have to trust the source. The residents of Apache Junction can be assured that the messages they receive are an authentic and trusted source.”

2009 Top Sports Story
Apache Trail Wolfpack Crowned State Champs

See B-1