My name is Aaron Hollemon, and I am a Sergeant at the Redding Police Department (RPD) in Northern California (about two hours north of Sacramento). I have proudly served with RPD for 18 years, and it is the only agency I have ever worked for. I began my career with RPD in 2006 as a non-sworn Community Service Officer after earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology, Law & Society from the University of California, Irvine. After completing the Butte College Law Enforcement Academy in 2008, I was a patrol officer for nine years before being reassigned to our Detective Division. During my four and a half years as a detective, I was primarily assigned to investigating crimes against children and sexual assault while also assisting our High-Tech Crimes Unit on cases. I was promoted to Corporal in 2021 and again to Sergeant in 2022. I have served as a patrol supervisor in my agency’s Field Operations Division and as one of the supervisors in our Special Services Unit (SSU), overseeing various teams of officers with special assignments. My wife of 19 years teaches English full-time at our local community college, Shasta College, and we have two teenage children.
What motivated you to be a LEPSL ambassador?
My experience with the prestigious LEPSL program is that it is ideal for personal and professional growth and development. As a law enforcement professional who aspires to promote further and assume more of a leadership role at my agency, LEPSL has allowed me to sharpen my leadership capabilities and make me a more effective leader. I am excited by the opportunity to be an advocate for the program, share my experience with other law enforcement professionals, and encourage others to join the LEPSL family of students and graduates. Viva LEPSL!
Why did you choose the LEPSL program? What made LEPSL stand out in comparison to other schools/programs?
As a mid-career law enforcement professional, I am focused on a trajectory for further advancement and promotion at my agency. My agency values higher and continuing education and requires advanced degrees for specific promotional opportunities. I appreciate that the LEPSL program focuses specifically on leadership within my profession. The degree at the end of the program will make me a more attractive candidate for future promotional opportunities at my agency. At the same time, the lessons learned and education received along the way will sharpen my leadership capabilities to make me a more effective and informed leader. That makes the LEPSL program a win-win, in my book!
What were your concerns about starting a graduate program?
I was anxious about returning to school 24 years after obtaining my undergraduate degree and taking exclusively online college classes since I was unfamiliar with that particular format (i.e., my undergraduate classes were all in-person). I also had concerns about effectively juggling the requirements of a graduate program with my already busy personal and professional life.
How did the LEPSL program help you achieve your career goals?
My goal is to promote further at my agency. An MS degree in LEPSL will make me a more attractive candidate for future promotional opportunities. Above all, though, my goal is to be a strong and effective leader at my agency. The LEPSL program will help me achieve that goal by making me a more well-rounded and capable leader.
What advice would you share with prospective LEPSL applicants?
My message to prospective LEPSL applicants is that there is never the perfect time to start, and it is never too late to start. I delayed enrolling in a graduate program to earn a Master’s degree for years, always thinking that I would be in a better position to focus on it when I was assigned to Detectives, when I was promoted to Corporal, when I was promoted to Sergeant, when I was reassigned to our Special Services Unit, etc. However, life never seems to get any less busy. It can seem daunting to incorporate a new commitment into our already busy lives, especially when it involves returning to school to pursue a graduate degree, but know that you can do it. USD offers a wealth of assistance and resources to help you succeed in the program, and you have cohorts, graduates, and faculty who have your back. Be sure to research the LEPSL program and its requirements to ensure that it is the right program for you, but know that you can do it once you decide it is and that it is never too late to start.
What has been the most unexpected part of the LEPSL program?
My most unexpected part of the program has been how current and topical the course materials have been.
What were you balancing while participating in the LEPSL program?
When I began the LEPSL program, I was off of work dealing with a serious and significant health issue. I thought I would exercise my mind while sitting at home, healing my body, so I applied for the LEPSL program. For my first semester and most of my second semester, I juggled commuting about four hours away from home to various doctor’s appointments, treatments, and surgeries while participating in the LEPSL program. I returned to light duty as a sergeant at my agency during the second class of my second semester in the program. During that time, I juggled office work at my agency (e.g., approving reports, administrative projects, etc.) while still commuting to various doctor’s appointments and procedures about four hours away. For the foreseeable future, even once I return to full duty, I will continue to manage and balance the responsibilities associated with my work and my health. I am happy to share more of my story with anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation. It is still possible!
How did you stay motivated throughout the program in the face of competing priorities in your life?
By setting boundaries, prioritizing what I need to accomplish for the week, carving out time to actually do it, and focusing on the end goal of earning that degree. I want to prove to myself, my children, and my agency that I can do it.
LEPSL Graduating Class:
2025