REFERENCE TITLE: Officer Clayton Townsend; death resolution

State of Arizona House of Representatives Fifty-fourth Legislature First Regular Session 2019

HCR 2035

Introduced by Representatives Salman: Allen J, Andrade, Barto, Biasiucci, Blackman, Blanc, Bolding, Bolick, Bowers, Butler, Campbell, Cano, Carroll, Chávez, Cobb, Cook, DeGrazia, Dunn, Engel, Epstein, Espinoza, Fernandez, Fillmore, Finchem, Friese, Gabaldón, Grantham, Griffin, Hernandez A, Hernandez D, Jermaine, Kavanagh, Kern, Lawrence, Lieberman, Longdon, Meza, Nutt, Osborne, Pawlik, Payne, Peten, Petersen, Powers Hannley, Rivero, Roberts, Rodriguez, Shah, Shope, Sierra, Stringer, Teller, Terán, Thorpe, Toma, Townsend, Tsosie, Udall, Weninger

 

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 

on the death of officer clayton townsend.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Salt River Police Officer Clayton Townsend was tragically killed in the line of duty on January 8, 2019 at the age of 26.

Officer Townsend was born on May 30, 1992 and always dreamed of becoming a police officer.  He had a genuinely caring and compassionate heart which enabled him to serve and protect others as a true guardian of the people.

Throughout his five years in law enforcement, Officer Townsend earned a richly deserved reputation as a capable, highly skilled and dedicated public servant and he distinguished himself as a humble and loyal individual.  Officer Townsend was recognized several times in his career for his communication skills and excellent performance and received awards for community-based policing.

On January 8, 2019 while on a traffic stop on State Route 101 and McDowell Road in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Officer Townsend was struck by a vehicle and did not survive his injuries.  In the investigation, the Arizona Department of Public Safety determined that the driver of the vehicle had been texting and driving just before striking Officer Townsend.  The driver was arrested and booked on manslaughter, aggravated assault and endangerment charges.

It is fitting that we recognize those individuals such as Officer Townsend who have given the ultimate sacrifice in their efforts to preserve and protect the public peace and safety of all citizens.  His untimely death serves as a reminder to the citizens of this state to never text and drive, but rather, "drive and arrive safely."

The effect of Officer Townsend's sudden and unexpected death has been immeasurable to the community, his coworkers and friends and, above all, his beloved family.  A devoted and caring husband, father, son, brother and grandson, Officer Townsend leaves behind his wife, Deanna, and his ten-month-old son, Brixton.  Clayton Townsend will be deeply missed by his family, his colleagues at the Salt River Police Department, the community and his many friends in the State of Arizona.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring:

That the Members of the Legislature express sincere regret on the passing of Officer Clayton Townsend and extend their heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.