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STRATEGIC OUTCOMES |
ACTION |
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Department: |
☐ Safe & Prosperous |
☒ Motion |
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Police |
☐ Active & Appealing |
☐ Resolution |
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☐ Respected & Responsible |
☐ Ordinance - Introduction |
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Division: |
☒ Connected & Engaged |
☐ Ordinance - Adoption |
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Administration |
☐ Unique & Creative |
☐ Public Hearing |
TITLE:
title
Commemorative Facility Naming: City of Yuma Public Safety Evidence Storage Facility
end
SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION:
Summary Recommendation
Approve naming the new Public Safety Evidence Storage Facility the Lt. Daniel Elkins Public Safety Evidence Storage Facility. (Police/Administration) (Thomas Garrity)
end
STRATEGIC OUTCOME:
This item supports the City Council’s strategic outcome of Connected and Engaged by honoring the service and sacrifice of a member of the Yuma Police Department and fostering a culture of remembrance, respect, and connection within the organization and the community.
REPORT:
The Yuma Police Department requests authorization to name the Public Safety Evidence Storage Facility in honor of Lieutenant Daniel Elkins, who was killed in the line of duty while serving the Yuma community.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Daniel Elkins proudly gave 15 years of service to the Yuma Police Department and the Yuma Community, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. Lieutenant Elkins served with dedication, professionalism, and integrity throughout his law enforcement career. Lieutenant Elkins was widely respected by his peers and subordinates for his leadership, commitment to ethical policing, and unwavering sense of duty. Lieutenant Elkins played an important role in supporting collaborative law enforcement efforts in the region, including his assignment to a multi-agency narcotics task force focused on addressing drug-related crimes along the southwest border.
On July 4, 1995, Lieutenant Elkins was killed in the line of duty while responding to a matter involving missing evidence at a multi-agency narcotics task force facility. During the investigation, Lieutenant Elkins and another officer were fatally shot by an individual who had been stealing evidence from the facility. This tragic incident shocked the law enforcement community and highlighted the critical importance of integrity, accountability, and security within evidence and property operations.
Lieutenant Elkins’ sacrifice represents a defining moment in the Department’s history and serves as a lasting reminder of the responsibility entrusted to those who safeguard evidence and protect the integrity of the criminal justice system. His death underscored the importance of maintaining secure, accountable, and professional evidence operations to ensure the safety of officers, the integrity of investigations, and the trust of the community.
The Public Safety Evidence Storage Facility represents the Department’s continued commitment to these same principles of integrity, accountability, and public trust. Naming the facility in honor of Lieutenant Elkins is both meaningful and appropriate, as the facility’s mission directly reflects the lessons learned from this tragedy and reinforces the values that Lieutenant Elkins embodied through his service and leadership. This dedication will remind current and future employees of the importance of ethical conduct, evidence security, and the responsibility that comes with protecting the community.
Lieutenant Elkins’ legacy continues to be remembered by the Yuma Police Department and the Yuma community, not only for his sacrifice, but for the professionalism, integrity, and leadership he demonstrated throughout his career. His service stands as an enduring example of the highest standards in law enforcement.
To honor Lieutenant Elkins’ service, dedication and ultimate sacrifices to the City of Yuma and its residents, City staff recommends that the Public Safety Evidence Storage Facility be dedicated as the “Lt. Daniel Elkins Public Safety Evidence Storage Facility.”
FISCAL REQUIREMENTS:
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CITY FUNDS: |
$ 0.00 |
BUDGETED: |
$ 0.00 |
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STATE FUNDS: |
$ 0.00 |
AVAILABLE TO TRANSFER: |
$ 0.00 |
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FEDERAL FUNDS: |
$ 0.00 |
IN CONTINGENCY: |
$ 0.00 |
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OTHER SOURCES: |
$ 0.00 |
FUNDING ACCOUNT/FUND #/CIP: |
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TOTAL |
$ 0.00 |
- |
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT:
NONE
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS NOT ATTACHED TO THE CITY COUNCIL ACTION FORM THAT ARE ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK:
NONE
IF CITY COUNCIL ACTION INCLUDES A CONTRACT, LEASE OR AGREEMENT, WHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ROUTING THE DOCUMENT FOR SIGNATURE AFTER CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL?
☐ Department
☐ City Clerk’s Office
☐ Document to be recorded
☐ Document to be codified
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Acting City Administrator: |
Date: |
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John D. Simonton |
04/27/2026 |
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Reviewed by City Attorney: |
Date: |
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Richard W. Files |
04/27/2026 |