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2 Phoenix police officers die this week in separate medical events

The Phoenix Police Department lost about 45 years of law enforcement experience this week as two members died in separate unspecified medical events.

Union officials say Sgt. Tim Wheeler died at home.

City officials say Officer Mark Aker died while on duty.

The losses come as the Department continues to deal with a chronic staffing shortage with roots in the Great Recession.

Matthew Casey has won Public Media Journalists Association and Edward R. Murrow awards since he joined KJZZ as a senior field correspondent in 2015.