Phoenix AZ – February 19, 2026 | By STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What happened at the City of Phoenix Employee Memorial Ceremony on Feb 19, 2026?
The 32nd annual ceremony honored fallen firefighters Frank Contreras and Tim Hale at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix, AZ.
When and where was the 32nd annual memorial ceremony held?
The ceremony took place on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 9 a.m. at the Orpheum Theatre, located at 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix, AZ 85003.
Who were the firefighters honored at the Phoenix ceremony?
Retired Fire Engineer Frank Contreras, who died from occupational cancer, and Fire Captain Tim Hale, killed in the line of duty on Feb 12, 1994, were honored.
Why is an annual memorial ceremony held in Phoenix, Arizona?
The ceremony honors all dedicated men and women who have given their lives in service to the Phoenix community, with names added to the Employee Memorial Wall.
The City of Phoenix held its 32nd annual memorial ceremony on February 19, 2026, to honor retired Fire Engineer Frank Contreras and Fire Captain Tim Hale. The event at the Orpheum Theatre recognized their sacrifices and dedication to public safety in Phoenix, Arizona.
Phoenix Honors Fallen Firefighters at 32nd Annual Memorial Ceremony
The City of Phoenix today, February 19, 2026, held its 32nd annual memorial ceremony, honoring the sacrifices of retired Fire Engineer Frank Contreras and Fire Captain Tim Hale. The solemn event took place at 9 a.m. at the Orpheum Theatre, recognizing their dedication and ultimate contributions to public safety in Phoenix.
Recognizing Valued Service to the Community
Retired Phoenix Fire Engineer Frank Contreras was posthumously honored, with his name officially added to the City of Phoenix Employee Memorial Wall. Contreras passed away after a battle with occupational cancer, a recognition of the inherent risks faced by firefighters in their service.
Who was Fire Captain Tim Hale?
The ceremony also paid tribute to Fire Captain Tim Hale, who was killed 32 years ago. Captain Hale, then an Engineer with Engine 15, was on duty working with Rescue 3 when he was struck by an impaired driver while unloading a gurney for a patient. He sustained traumatic injuries and died the following day, February 12, 1994, at 29 years old. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Captain. His service led to the creation of procedure MP205.07A, designed to enhance the safety of firefighters operating near traffic. Captain Hale is survived by his two sons, one of whom, Jacob, now serves as a Phoenix Fire Fighter. A historical marker commemorating Captain Hale is located at 602 S. 17th Avenue.
Why Does Phoenix Hold an Annual Memorial Ceremony?
The annual City of Phoenix Employee Memorial Ceremony serves as a significant event to honor all dedicated men and women who have given their lives in service to the community. Following the indoor ceremony, families of the fallen typically participate in a procession to the Memorial Wall, where the names of all honored employees are etched into glass bricks.
Event Summary
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event Name | City of Phoenix Employee Memorial Ceremony |
| Date | Thursday, February 19, 2026 |
| Time | 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM |
| Location | Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix, AZ 85003 |
| Annual Designation | 32nd Annual |
| Honored Firefighters | Retired Fire Engineer Frank Contreras, Fire Captain Tim Hale |
| Contreras’s Cause of Death | Occupational cancer |
| Hale’s Cause of Death | Struck by impaired driver while on duty |
| Hale’s Posthumous Rank | Captain |
| Memorial Wall Addition | Frank Contreras’s name added |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
