Press Release: Sandbag distribution in Marana during monsoon season

Originally published June 15, 2018. Edited August 6, 2018

MARANA — In anticipation of monsoon, Town of Marana will be handing out sandbags to Marana residents every Tuesday through the end of the rainy season beginning June 19 from 8 AM – 2:30 PM. The last day for regularly scheduled sandbag distribution will be Tuesday, August 28, but additional distributions will be scheduled if the need arises.

Sandbag distributions will be located at El Rio Open Space (10050 N. Coachline Blvd) and Marana Heritage River Park (12280 N. Heritage Park Drive). Public Works staff will load pre-filled sandbags into the vehicle.

"The Public Works Department provides services that are vital to our community’s health, safety, and comfort," said Public Works Director Mo El-Ali. "We provide this service to our community to help keep Marana residents safe."

Limit of 10 sandbags per vehicle. In the event of increased weather, additional distribution dates will be added to the schedule. For more information, please contact Public Works at (520)382-2536, or follow the Town of Marana on Facebook and Twitter.

Practice makes perfect: Local agencies prepare for "worst case" scenarios

On Wednesday, May 4, first responders and law enforcement agencies across Pima County simulated emergency scenarios in order to improve multiple agency emergency response while acting in a unified command in the event of an actual emergency.  One of the six scenarios occurred at Marana Regional Airport, testing the response and communication systems of the Marana Police Department, Northwest Fire, Avra Valley Fire, and Picture Rocks Fire.  

In Marana's scenario, a small prop plane made an unauthorized landing at the airport, and in the process clipped a large passenger jet, causing both to crash on opposite ends of the airport.  Police units received word of the incident, and arrived to the scene. 

Upon reaching the scene, police officers were surprised by an armed suspect standing in the shadow of the smaller plane. After a quick gunfire exchange, the officers had apprehended the suspect - but not without their own officer taking a hit. 

Meanwhile, across the airport, firefighters, police, and paramedics responded to victims aboard the passenger jet.  These "victims," played by students from Marana High School, presented the first responders with a variety of injuries, each posing its own unique challenge.  

LifeNet, which provides helicopter medivac services out of the airport, transported "victims" to nearby hospitals.  

Throughout the entire scenario, all three fire departments and Marana Police secured the scene, coordinating civilians, media, and other personnel.

"Today has been an important learning experience for all of us," says Sgt. Chris Warren, Marana PD's public information officer. "As government agencies, we need to make sure we can work together smoothly and seamlessly, and today's exercise is helping us practice that skill, as well as helping us identify any gaps."

The Town of Marana thanks Marana High School for their volunteers in the exercise.