Meet Some of Our Lateral Officers

Officer Sterlin
Officer Dominique Sterlin

What made you want to get into a career in law enforcement?
I enjoy the variety of this job and also like to try to help people as best I can.

Why did you lateral to the Mesa Police Department?
I was familiar with the area because I went to ASU and had friends in Mesa. The Mesa Hiring Unit also responded quickly to my transfer inquiries.

What other agencies have you worked for and how long?
I worked for the Milford, New Hampshire Police Department for six years.

How difficult was the lateral transfer process?
The process was very easy. The detective assigned to my application expedited the paperwork and made it very easy to transition.

What is your most memorable experience as a police officer?
I was able to assist and solve a multi-million dollar arson case. I also have made great friends with the people that I work with.

Do you feel that the department has been supportive in assisting you with your career goals?
Yes. My Sergeant pushes us to look at training opportunities all the time.

Since you have been with Mesa PD, what are some of the things you like or find unique about the department?
I like the opportunity to move to other disricts. I also like the many career opportunities.

Do you feel that the City of Mesa is a good place to raise a family and why?
Mesa is a city with many different neighborhoods and communities. It would be very easy to transition here from another city and state.

Do you feel that the pay and benefits are highly competitive to other law enforcement agencies throughout the country?
Mesa PD does a good job of adjusting their pay to be competitive with other agencies in the Valley.

 

Officer Paul Trentz

What made you want to get into a career in law enforcement?
I enjoy working with others who have goals similar to my own. I have the chance to make my community a more livable place and to have an exciting career where I can look forward to coming to work every day.

Why did you lateral to the Mesa Police Department?
Excellent benefits and growing department with opportunities to advance. The weather allows me to be outside 365 days a year.

What other agencies have you worked for and how long?
Portland, Oregon for eight years.

How difficult was the lateral transfer process?
From the date of application to date of hire it took four months. It was clearly stated what the process was with no surprises.

What is your most memorable experience as a police officer?
I have received two life saving awards.

Do you feel that the department has been supportive in assisting you with your career goals?
Yes, I can use 50% of my previous law enforcement time toward advancement opportunities within the department.

Since you have been with Mesa PD, what are some of the things you like or find unique about the department?
I have been treated like any other officer within the department.

Do you feel that the City of Mesa is a good place to raise a family and why?
The primary reason for changing departments was to be able to raise my family in this specific area.

Do you feel that the pay and benefits are highly competitive to other law enforcement agencies throughout the country?
I'm making about the same pay as a lateral as I made after eight years in my previous department, plus having health insurance after retirement is very important.
Officer Tentz

 

Officer Nehrenz
Officer Jamie Nehrenz

What made you want to get into a career in law enforcement?
I wanted the challenge of a career in law enforcement and I also wanted to be part of a team aspect.

Why did you lateral to the Mesa Police Department?
For the opportunities for advancement and the different specialties Mesa has to offer an officer with experience.

What other agencies have you worked for and how long?
I worked for Champion PD in Ohio and a few other Ohio agencies for a total of 11 years.

How difficult was the lateral transfer process?
The transition was great from my agency to Mesa PD.

What is your most memorable experience as a police officer?
The friendships that have come from this profession; there are so many memorable things that have occurred to only pick one.

Do you feel that the department has been supportive in assisting you with your career goals?
We've only just begun.

Since you have been with Mesa PD, what are some of the things you like or find unique about the department?
The open door policy between most of the staff and officers is great.

Do you feel that the City of Mesa is a good place to raise a family and why?
I live in a neighboring community and I find it a great place to raise my family due to the great opportunities this area has for them, as my children grow older.

Do you feel that the pay and benefits are highly competitive to other law enforcement agencies throughout the country?
Yes!

 

Officer Todd Zoglman

What made you want to get into a career in law enforcement?
Different environment every day.

Why did you lateral to the Mesa Police Department?
More opportunity for specialized units.

What other agencies have you worked for and how long?
Bensenville, Illinois PD for five years.

How difficult was the lateral transfer process?
The POST waiver form was the most difficult.

What is your most memorable experience as a police officer?
The look on a woman's face when we arrested a person breaking into her home.

Do you feel that the department has been supportive in assisting you with your career goals?
Yes.

Since you have been with Mesa PD, what are some of the things you like or find unique about the department?
Friendly people.

Do you feel that the City of Mesa is a good place to raise a family and why?
Don't know yet.

Do you feel that the pay and benefits are highly competitive to other law enforcement agencies throughout the country?
Yes, very much so. Lifetime benefits.
Officer Zoglman

 

Officer Czaplicki
Officer Steve Czaplicki

What made you want to get into a career in law enforcement?
Wanted to help those in need.

Why did you lateral to the Mesa Police Department?
I wanted to move to a larger department for a chance to expand my opportunities.

What other agencies have you worked for and how long?
U.S. Army Military police for six years. Warwick, Township PD for 13 years.

How difficult was the lateral transfer process?
It took time and determination, but was not too difficult.

Do you feel that the department has been supportive in assisting you with your career goals?
Yes; great people.

Since you have been with Mesa PD, what are some of the things you like or find unique about the department?
Larger department has more chances to expand my career.

Do you feel that the City of Mesa is a good place to raise a family and why?
Yes. The city has many opportunities for everyone in the family.

Do you feel that the pay and benefits are highly competitive to other law enforcement agencies throughout the country?
Yes!

 

For questions regarding the Hiring or Testing process, e-mail police.jobs@mesaaz.gov

 

 

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Mesa Police Department
Human Resources Section
PO Box 1466
Mesa, AZ 85211

Detective Travis Dangerfield
480-644-4713


Job Hotline
480-644-3301
1-800-884-5480