Ben Opfar is an Air Force veteran and honorably retired sworn peace officer who served diverse communities for almost three decades in four separate states. Throughout his career, assignments included: Patrol Sergeant, Bomb Disposal Technician, Certified Detective, Field Training Officer, Multi-Agency Joint Task Force Officer, (NASRO certified) School Resource Officer, General Instructor, Patrol Deputy, and Patrol Officer.
Ben is a lifelong learner holding a bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement Administration and Police Science from Ottawa University and is projected to complete the MS-LEPSL program at the University of San Diego in April 2025.
Ben is an active member of the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association and is a Trilogy leadership award recipient. He completed the Department of Justice-sponsored Rocky Mountain Command College for leadership as well as both the basic and advanced Internal Affairs certification programs through Daigle Law Group.
In 2023, Ben accepted employment as a Risk Manager at Gillette Community College District in Wyoming.
What motivated you to be a LEPSL ambassador?
I am a retired law enforcement officer and lifelong learner with a desire to stay connected to law enforcement and public safety. I can’t think of a better way to keep pushing the profession forward than becoming a leadership ambassador.
Why did you choose the LEPSL program? What made LEPSL stand out in comparison to other schools/programs?
I chose the LEPSL program for a couple of reasons. The first is the 6 transfer credits for completion of the FBI-LEEDA “Trilogy” award. The second is the 7-week, one course at a time format making it easy to remain focused and on track.
What were your concerns about starting a graduate program?
My main concerns revolved around the length of time I had been out of school and also that I was having to learn the duties and responsibilities of a new profession at the same time.
How did the LEPSL program help you achieve your career goals?
It goes back to being a lifelong learner, “I am not finished learning yet.” However, the program is applicable to daily life regardless of rank or status.
What advice would you share with prospective LEPSL applicants?
Don’t put it off. Buckle down and commit. The time will go by quickly. Invest in yourself. Remember, you get back exponentially what you put into learning. Be humble, help others, and stay safe.
What was your favorite part of the LEPSL program?
My favorite part of the program was identifying the gaps in the changing landscape of law enforcement over the years. So many changes occurred between my retirement from Phoenix, Arizona, in 2011 and my return to sworn duty in rural Wyoming in 2018. The technological advancements alone were eye-opening.
What were you balancing while participating in the LEPSL program?
With commitment, this program is achievable. I retired from law enforcement, moved, sold a home, bought a home, moved my daughter across multiple states, learned multiple new positions in a higher education setting, oversaw a mass communications installation project, learned unfamiliar policies and procedures in Clery compliance, Title IX, and other Department of Education requirements, rewrote an entire emergency management plan, served on State, local, and college emergency management stakeholder committees, and a multitude of other tasks and responsibilities. It is attainable with commitment.
How did you stay motivated throughout the program in the face of competing priorities in your life?
It boils down to attitude and belief in one’s self. It was easy for me to stay motivated because all the faculty, staff, and people behind the scenes were always supportive and encouraging. I recognize the doors a degree will open and when crossed with my drive to succeed, motivation comes naturally.
LEPSL Graduating Year:
2025