The former partner of a Maricopa County detention officer who was shot and killed by police outside his home is celebrating law enforcement with an annual breakfast.
Maggie Jones said Gilbert police shot and killed her partner, Joshua Kinnard, while he was suffering a mental health crisis related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
More than a year after the February 2018 incident, Maggie Jones has started this new tradition in his honor.
“I wanted to bring light to the issue of our officers, firemen, veterans who suffer from PTS,” Jones said.
The Joshua Kinnard Foundation has partnered with law enforcement and opened up the Chandler Fire House for their inaugural First Responders Breakfast.
“Josh is probably so proud. He is probably so proud because this is something he would want to do. Service for the community and just taking care of his brothers and sisters. It meant a lot to him,” she said.
The event included a pancake breakfast, an auction, a tour of SWAT and fire equipment, and other activities.
Money raised from the auction will go towards helping veterans, first responders, and law enforcement officers with medical needs.
Jones said she hoped to be able to help fund alternative therapies for people suffering from mental health disorders, including equine, art, and music therapies.