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 Kimberly Coverdill began her law enforcement career with the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office after completing her training at the Western Arizona Law Enforcement Training Academy in 2021. During her tenure with the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Coverdill became a General Instructor, where she teaches Case Law in the academy. Deputy Coverdill currently serves as a Field Training Officer and is actively on the Mohave County SWAT team as the team’s hostage negotiator.

Currently, Deputy Coverdill serves as a Recruit Training Officer at the Western Arizona Law Enforcement Training Academy (WALETA), where she plays an integral role in shaping the next generation of Law Enforcement professionals.

Recruit Training Officer

Deputy Pedro Ramirez honorably served in the United States Army and was a combat veteran serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Bagram, Afghanistan where he was awarded a Joint Service Commendation Medal for meritorious service. Deputy Pedro Ramirez began his law enforcement career with the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office after completing his training at the Arizona Western College Law Enforcement Training Academy in 2022. Following his time with the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Ramirez lateraled over to the CRIT Police Department, where he became a certified Field Training Officer. Deputy Ramirez then transitioned to the La Paz County Sheriff’s Office where he currently serves as a Field Training Officer and obtained Arizona POST certifications in General Instructing and a Defensive Tactics Instructor. Deputy Ramirez has also attended Front Line Leadership training and has served in leadership roles at his agency.
Currently, Deputy Ramirez serves as a Recruit Training Officer at the Western Arizona Law Enforcement Training Academy (WALETA), where he plays an integral role in shaping the next generation of law enforcement professionals.

Recruit Training Officer

Officer Asher Arnold began his law enforcement career with the City of Benson Police Department and completed police recruit training at the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Training Center, class 2000-1.  During his tenure with the Benson Police Department, Officer Arnold received training as a general instructor, defensive tactics instructor, high risk stop instructor and field training officer.  For eight years Officer Arnold was assigned as a Detective with the Arizona Department of Public Safety gang task force.  After transitioning to the Arizona Department of Transportation, Officer Arnold continues to serve as a field training officer and has joined the honor guard team.