Arizona DPS Honors Sergeant Manny Tapia's Sacrifice

Staff Report / tempelocal.org

**Arizona DPS Remembers Fallen Hero, Sergeant Manny Tapia**

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) commemorates the life and service of Sergeant Manuel “Manny” Tapia (#1409), who was tragically killed in the line of duty on January 7, 1991.

Sergeant Tapia, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, had served with the AZDPS for 17 years. On the night of January 7, 1991, while conducting a traffic stop in Nogales, Sergeant Tapia encountered a suspected drug trafficker. During the stop, Sergeant Tapia requested the suspect to open the vehicle's trunk. The suspect fled on foot, and Sergeant Tapia pursued him. While being chased, the suspect turned and fatally shot Sergeant Tapia. He was rushed to Tucson Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries the following morning, January 8, 1991.

The suspect was later shot and killed by a Nogales police officer in the line of duty.

Sergeant Manny Tapia’s sacrifice continues to be remembered by his family, colleagues, and the community he served. The AZDPS honors his dedication, bravery, and ultimate sacrifice, ensuring his memory lives on through their commitment to public safety.

#WeWillNeverForget



Source: Arizona DPS

Source Type: Police

Source Location:

Jan 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM Police

ASU Alumni Unite in Tucson for Art & Friendship

ASU alumni enjoyed art and connection at a Tucson social event.

Oct 3, 2025 at 6:15 PM College

Arizona DPS Honors Forensic Experts Nationally

Arizona dept honors forensic experts for vital criminal justice support.

Sep 15, 2025 at 3:54 PM Police

Tempe Alumni Host Tucson Art Friendship Workshop

Local artist Linus Schief hosts friendly art workshop in Tucson, Oct. 2.

Sep 12, 2025 at 6:20 PM College

Authorities Remember Sergeant Blaser, Fallen in Tucson.

Sergeant John Blaser died after being struck by a drunk driver.

Aug 31, 2025 at 6:20 PM Police

ASU Alumni Host Pickleball Night in Tucson

ASU alumni host Tucson Pickleball Night on Sept 12 for all skills.

Aug 18, 2025 at 12:00 PM College

ASU Alumni Ignite Community Spirit Across Arizona

ASU alumni host community events statewide to support local programs and students.

Aug 8, 2025 at 12:01 PM College

Four Tucson Crew Suspects Arrested in LA Burglaries

LAPD arrested four Tucson Crew burglary suspects during coordinated West LA operation.

Jul 25, 2025 at 12:00 PM Police

UNM Women's Basketball to Face Arizona in Tucson

UNM Women’s Basketball embarks on challenging home-and-home series versus Arizona.

Jul 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM Sports

Agent Aids Dementia Veteran’s Flight Mistake Rescue

Southwest agent helps elderly veteran with dementia reach intended flight destination.

Jul 11, 2025 at 12:00 PM Airport

Arizona DPS Launches First Tucson S.T.A.R. Program

Arizona hosts STEM training for high schoolers on real-world public safety careers.

Jun 13, 2025 at 3:29 PM Police