Academy Commander

Lt. Frank Hayden is a United States Marine Corps combat veteran and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He holds two masters degrees, in English and Public Administration. He began his law enforcement career in 2007 right here with the inaugural WALETA class. Over his 16+ year career with Lake Havasu City Police Department, he has worked in a variety of positions including as a field training officer and as a Street Crimes officer. He has served as a supervisor over Patrol, Professional Standards, and investigations units. Lt. Hayden also spent three years as the academy Sergeant at WALETA from 2018-2020. He is currently the commander for the LHCPD SWAT team and Bomb Squad.

Academy Sergeant

Sergeant Chris Sautner proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for 5 years. He was a close combat instructor and earned the rank of sergeant. Sgt. Sautner joined the Lake Havasu City Police Department in 2004 and has worked in a variety of capacities starting with patrol.  He has served as a Field Training Officer, Street Crimes Unit Officer, and Narcotics Detective. Sgt. Sautner held the rank of corporal and Sergeant. He spent 11 years as a SWAT operator for the Lake Havasu City Police Department. His supervisory roles have included patrol, Community Services Unit, Dive Team, and class supervisor for WALETA.

Recruit Training Officer

Officer Joseph Morgridge honorably served six years in the United States Air Force enlisted as a fighter jet crew chief and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. During his time in the USAF he was also a member of the Blue Eagles Honor Guard. Officer Morgridge joined the Bullhead City Police Department in 2018.Officer Morgridge has earned AZ POST Instructor certifications in defensive tactics, taser, and physical training. Additionally, Officer Morgridge is a sniper for the Bullhead City Police Department’s SWAT Team. Officer Morgridge is currently employed as a Recruit Training Officer at WALETA.

Recruit Training Officer

Deputy David Dotson honorably served for 12 years in the United States Marine Corps. He is a Combat veteran serving in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2021 he started his Law Enforcement career with the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, and he is also a member of their SWAT Team. Additionally, He is General Instructor and Arizona POST Firearms Instructor. Deputy Dotson currently serves as a Recruit Training Officer at WALETA.

Recruit Training Officer

Deputy Yoana Mendoza began her law enforcement career in 2019 with The La Paz County Sheriffs Office. She initially joined as a detention officer, where her commitment and dedication to her role quickly set her apart. In the same year, Yoana became the first female to graduate from The Pinal County Sheriffs Detention Academy as the class leader.

Building on her career, Deputy Mendoza transitioned into patrol duties after graduating from The Western Arizona Law Enforcement Training Academy in 2021. Deputy Mendoza earned certifications as a General Instructor and Taser Instructor.

Currently, Deputy Mendoza serves as the first female recruit training officer at The Western Arizona Law Enforcement Training Academy.