Meet Some of Our Lateral Officers
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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. |
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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. |
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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.

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