With a passion for serving the community and ensuring public safety, I embarked on my law enforcement career by joining the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) 17 years ago. From the outset, I was driven by a commitment to uphold the law and protect the citizens of Los Angeles County. Throughout my career, I have worked diverse assignments ranging from custody, patrol, detective bureau, Crisis Negotiation Teams (CNT), Mental Evaluation Teams (MET), sergeant, and now lieutenant. I graduated from the LEPSL program in 2023 and am a better leader within LASD because of it.
What motivated you to be a LEPSL ambassador?
My background in community service has instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility toward fostering trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. By becoming an ambassador, I hope to inspire others to pursue careers that not only uphold public safety but also prioritize community well-being. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute positively to the legacy of excellence at the University of San Diego while empowering future leaders who will make meaningful impacts in their fields.
Why did you choose the LEPSL program? What made LEPSL stand out in comparison to other schools/programs?
After researching the USD LEPSL program, I learned it was recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best criminal justice master’s degrees in the country. After completing the program, I can attest to why it is so highly ranked.
What were your concerns about starting a graduate program?
Starting a graduate program while maintaining a full-time job can be a daunting task. Some normal concerns are time management challenges, risk of burnout, academic performance anxiety, financial strain, limited social life, lack of support, and career impact.
How did the LEPSL program help you achieve your career goals?
It has increased my competitiveness for promotions, enhanced my understanding of community relations, provided me access to a vast network of alumni, and further developed my leadership skills.
What advice would you give to someone to be a more effective leader?
In the words of Simon Sinek, “Leadership is not about status or hierarchy; rather, it is fundamentally about responsibility. An effective leader must recognize that their role is to enable and empower those they lead. This perspective shifts the focus from personal ambition to collective growth and success.”
Did you have a favorite instructor?
Dr. Erik Fritsvold, Chief Dennis Nayor, and Colonel Todd Oneto all had an impact on me during the program. They fostered an environment that created opportunities for rich discussion and pushed me to perform the best I could.
What were you balancing while participating in the LEPSL program?
While attending LEPSL, I was balancing running the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station in the capacity of operations lieutenant, working line overtime, and competing in men’s body building contests, all while trying to spend time with my wife and family.
How did you stay motivated throughout the program in the face of competing priorities in your life?
You have more time than you think. You just have to manage it. If you are on vacation, bring your laptop. Have some downtime at work? Take a little time to do a discussion board post. Hit the gym and come up with some ideas about your next paper while the endorphins are running. Get competitive in the discussion boards to push your peers to excellence! Don’t do the minimum, I promise it is worth it. Friendly reminder, the program is best served when run consecutively without taking time off.
LEPSL Graduating Class:
2023