The academy structure is organized to ensure effective training and leadership. It starts with the recruits, who may be led by a class leader or skills team leader. Above them are the corporals, followed by the sergeants, and ultimately overseen by the academy lieutenant.
Lieutenant Jesse Campion serves as the Director of Training at the Denver Police Academy, bringing over 20 years of law enforcement experience to the role. Throughout his career, he has emphasized accountability, professional development, and community trust. Prior to leading the Academy, he held a variety of key positions within the Denver Police Department, including Internal Affairs Investigator, District Training Sergeant, and Patrol Supervisor. He has played a key role in advancing the department’s training efforts, leading the development of field training programs and guiding critical updates to high-liability curriculum areas to ensure alignment with Colorado POST standards. Lt. Campion is an instructor in Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) and actively serves on the Colorado POST Curriculum Committee and the Denver Police Department’s Policy Review Committee. He holds a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement from Minnesota State University. As Director of Training, he is dedicated to delivering the highest standard of instruction to both recruits and veteran officers. His focus is on preparing members of the department to meet the evolving challenges of law enforcement with skill, confidence, and a strong commitment to public service.
(720) 913-1359
jesse.campion@denvergov.org
Sergeant Raymond Sheridan is assigned to the Denver Police Academy, as an Academy Sergeant, where he oversees all academy training staff and recruit classes since April of 2024. In this role, he is responsible for supervising the delivery of the comprehensive recruit training program, which includes over 1,000 hours of instruction covering law, arrest control, firearms, emergency driving, and community interaction. His leadership ensures that training staff are effectively coordinated and that recruit classes meet the high standards required to prepare officers for field assignments and certification by the Colorado State P.O.S.T. Board. Prior to his academy assignment, Sergeant Sheridan served as Training Sergeant in District 3 until April 2024, managing the transition of recruits from academy to patrol operations and coordinating on-the-job training with experienced officers. Before that, he spent eight years as a Training Corporal in District 6, where he was involved in the comprehensive field training program and provided one-on-one mentorship to new recruits, helping them apply academy knowledge to real-world policing and become solo capable officers. Sheridan’s foundation in leadership started with his three years of service in the U.S. Army (1998–2001), where he obtained the rank of corporal, serving on an infantry team, and specialized in combat and tactical operations. His combined military and extensive law enforcement training experience uniquely positions him to shape the future of the Denver Police Department by ensuring recruits are well-prepared for the demands of modern policing and community engagement."
(720) 913-1374
raymond.sheridan@denvergov.org
Sergeant G. Michael Vogler has served the Denver Police Department since 1996, holding progressively responsible roles throughout his career. He is currently assigned to the Training Academy, where he leads the Continuing Education Program. In this role, he is responsible for designing, approving, and implementing curriculum initiatives that address the evolving needs of modern policing. He also plays a key role in coordinating public-facing events and ensuring all training efforts align with departmental goals and legal requirements. Previously, Sergeant Vogler served as a Patrol Sergeant in both Districts One and Four, where he led officers in high-demand urban areas and managed several specialized units, including Field Training Officers, School Resource Officers, and Community Resource Officers. His leadership supported long-term crime prevention strategies and fostered meaningful community engagement. Earlier in his career, as a Corporal and Patrol Officer, Sergeant Vogler was deeply committed to mentoring new officers and serving on the front lines of law enforcement. His comprehensive experience across patrol, training, and strategic planning reflects a deep, holistic understanding of police operations. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a consistent commitment to ethical, effective, and community-centered policing.
(720) 913-1360
gm.vogler@denvergov.org
Corporal Johnna Aitken has been a dedicated member of the Denver Police Department since 2000 and currently serves at the Training Academy as part of the Continuing Education Program (CEP). Before transitioning into training, she served as a Corporal in District 3, where she played a key role in mentoring and developing new officers. Her extensive frontline experience provided a solid foundation for her work in police education. In her current role, Corporal Aitken designs and delivers training that ensures officers meet annual departmental standards as well as POST certification requirements. As a certified Driving and Arrest Control Instructor, she also plays a pivotal role in the lateral academy program, supporting experienced recruits through the POST-approved curriculum. Since becoming a trainer in 2005, Corporal Aitken has remained committed to advancing officer safety, knowledge, and professional growth across the department. Her dedication to high-quality instruction and continued development has made her an integral part of the department’s training efforts.
(720) 913-1375
johnna.aitken@denvergov.org
Corporal Lisa Aitken-Nelson brings 28 years of dedicated service to law enforcement, including two years as a reserve officer and 26 years as a full-time member of the Denver Police Department. Her career began at the Denver Police Academy and was rooted in District 6, where she served throughout her tenure. Over the years, Corporal Aitken-Nelson has contributed to several specialized units, most notably serving 13 years with the downtown Motorcycle Unit and the Mounted Patrol. She also held the role of Harley-Davidson instructor for the Motorcycle Unit, demonstrating her technical expertise and leadership in specialized training. In 2013, she became a training officer, successfully guiding and mentoring over 200 recruits through their early careers. For the past four years, she has served at the Denver Police Academy as the lead instructor for the Defensive Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (DEVOC) and as the department’s Subject Matter Expert (SME) on vehicle policy and procedures. Her longstanding commitment to officer safety, high standards in tactical training, and mentorship has made her a respected leader in police education and professional development.
(720) 913-1354
lisa.aitken@denvergov.org
Corporal Colby Bowser brings over 13 years of law enforcement experience to his role with the Denver Police Department. He began his career with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, where he served for three years in both the jail and on patrol, gaining valuable experience in diverse areas of law enforcement. In 2015, Corporal Bowser joined the Denver Police Department, where he was initially assigned to District 4 as a Patrol Officer. He later advanced to the rank of Corporal, continuing to serve in District 4 and developing a deep understanding of community policing and public safety. Currently, Corporal Bowser serves as an instructor at the Denver Police Academy, where he teaches critical courses in Arrest Control, Firearms, and Active Threat Tactics. His role focuses on equipping officers with the essential skills and knowledge needed for effective and safe policing in high-pressure situations. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Corporal Bowser is proud to serve on the Denver Police Honor Guard, representing the department with the utmost professionalism and dedication.
colby.bowser@denvergov.org
Corporal James Bradley began his law enforcement career in 1993 with the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, where he gained extensive experience in a variety of roles, including Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, and member of the SWAT team. These formative years laid a strong foundation in tactical operations, training, and leadership. In 2000, Corporal Bradley joined the Denver Police Department, bringing with him a deep commitment to service and a passion for specialized law enforcement work. In 2005, he became a member of the Denver Police Metro SWAT Team, where he served with distinction for nearly two decades, until July 2024. His tenure with Metro SWAT allowed him to engage in high-risk operations, collaborate with various agencies, and further refine his tactical and leadership skills. In addition to his fieldwork, Corporal Bradley has remained committed to developing future law enforcement officers. At the Denver Police Academy, he serves as an instructor in Immediate Action Rapid Deployment, Building Search Tactics, Firearms, and Defensive Emergency Vehicle Operations (DEVOC). He teaches several courses designed to prepare recruits and officers for the challenges of modern policing. Throughout his career, Corporal Bradley has remained dedicated to professionalism, tactical excellence, and mentoring the next generation of law enforcement professionals.
james.bradley@denvergov.org
Corporal Candice Cosgrove began her career with the Denver Police Department in 2017, after relocating to Colorado from North Carolina shortly after earning her degree. Prior to joining DPD, she worked as a Mycobacteriologist at National Jewish Health, where she developed and implemented new testing procedures and trained her colleagues. Despite her success in the lab, she felt a deep desire to pursue a career in law enforcement, a calling inspired in part by her father, who served as a police officer in Chicago after his military service. Corporal Cosgrove’s law enforcement journey with DPD began in District 4, where she quickly distinguished herself and was promoted to Training Officer in 2022. In 2023, she earned the rank of Corporal. In February 2025, she transitioned to a role at the Denver Police Academy, where she currently serves as a Corporal. At the Academy, Corporal Cosgrove is an instructor for both the Defensive Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (DEVOC) and Arrest Control Techniques (ACT). Her passion for teaching and helping others improve drives her commitment to shaping future officers and empowering them to become the best versions of themselves.
(720) 913-1355
candice.cosgrove@denvergov.org
Corporal Ron Hackett is a proud Denver native who grew up in the historic Five Points neighborhood. He is a graduate of Manual High School and went on to attend Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Social Work. During his college years, Corporal Hackett became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., an affiliation he has maintained since 2002. Corporal Hackett began his career with the Denver Police Department in 2005. Since completing the police academy, he has held various assignments, including roles in District 4, the Gang Unit, the Public Information Office, District 6, District 2, and his current position at the Denver Police Academy. Over the past decade, he has served as a Corporal and Training Officer, where his passion for coaching and training has been evident in his commitment to developing and mentoring fellow officers. Outside of his professional duties, Corporal Hackett enjoys spending quality time with his family, playing golf, and following various sports.
(720) 913-1363
ronaldjr.hackett@denvergov.org
Corporal Shelby Haskell brings over nine years of dedicated service to the Denver Police Department, with a career marked by hands-on experience and a passion for training. She began her service as a patrol officer in District 4, where she later advanced to the role of Field Training Officer, mentoring and shaping the next generation of law enforcement professionals. Currently assigned to the Denver Police Academy, Corporal Haskell serves as a lead instructor in the Defensive Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (DEVOC), where she equips recruits with essential driving skills to navigate the demands of the job safely and effectively. Beyond her instructional duties, she is also a certified health coach with a focus on sports nutrition, offering valuable guidance to officers on maintaining physical fitness and overall wellness. Her dual focus on tactical proficiency and health education reflects a deep commitment to developing well-rounded, resilient officers who are fully prepared to serve their communities with excellence and integrity.
(720) 913-1365
shelby.haskell@denvergov.org
Corporal Monet Jackson began her career in public safety in 2015 as a Denver Public Safety Cadet, where she gained valuable exposure to the operations of police, fire, and sheriff departments. She then transitioned to Arapahoe County, serving as a Dispatcher, where she developed critical skills in managing high-pressure situations, dispatching officers across multiple jurisdictions, and conveying vital information swiftly and accurately. In 2019, Corporal Jackson joined the Denver Police Department and was assigned to District 1, where she served on Patrol before becoming part of the District 1 IMPACT team. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to public safety and community service. Currently, Corporal Jackson serves as a Police Academy Instructor, specializing in the Defensive Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (DEVOC) and Arrest Control tactics. She is dedicated to leading by example, drawing upon her extensive training and field experience to mentor and develop the next generation of law enforcement professionals.
monet.jackson2@denvergov.org
Corporal Ismael Lopez is a dedicated public servant with a strong passion for mentorship, training, and leadership. He currently serves as an Academy Instructor with the Denver Police Department, where he plays a key role in preparing recruits for the transition from the academy to active fieldwork. Prior to his current role, he served as a Corporal in District 1, training Academy graduates during their Field Training. Corporal Lopez began his career in public service in 2007 with the United States Army Reserve. Over the past 17+ years, his focus on the welfare, training, and development of his team has shaped his approach to leadership in law enforcement. These values of leadership, accountability, and continuous growth continue to guide his work as he strives to set the standard and lead by example. As an Academy Instructor, Corporal Lopez is excited to share his knowledge, helping develop confident, capable officers who are ready to serve their communities with integrity and professionalism.
(720) 913-1378
ismael.lopez@denvergov.org
Corporal Stephen Marino brings 23 years of dedicated service to law enforcement, with a career that began with the Chicago Police Department, where he served for 18 years before lateraling to the Denver Police Department in 2019. He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Saint Xavier University. Throughout his career, Corporal Marino has had the privilege of serving the citizens of both Chicago and Denver, working in a variety of specialized units with a strong focus on addressing criminal activity. His diverse experience has shaped his approach to law enforcement and his commitment to community safety. For the past three years, Corporal Marino has contributed to the Denver Police Academy as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for curriculum development. In addition, he served two years on the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Curriculum Board and is currently focused on developing assessments for recruit training. His work ensures that recruits are well-prepared and equipped to handle the challenges of modern law enforcement.
(720) 913-1371
stephen.marino@denvergov.org
Corporal Jason Moore has served with the Denver Police Department since 1995 and currently plays a vital role at the Training Academy, where he leads the Continuing Education Program. In this capacity, he oversees department-wide training initiatives—ranging from arrest control tactics to crowd management—and builds collaborative partnerships with external agencies. At the state level, Corporal Moore serves on the Colorado POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) Subject Matter Expert Subcommittee for Arrest Control and Use of Force, where he helps shape essential training standards and policy frameworks statewide. He is also a member of the Colorado POST Curriculum Development Team, reflecting his influence in advancing professional standards across Colorado law enforcement. Previously, he served as a field training officer in District 4—the southwest patrol district—mentoring over 50 recruit officers and managing district and citywide training in patrol tactics, Critical Incident Team (CIT) protocols, and the ABLE (Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement) program. Corporal Moore’s diverse experience includes over eight years as a detective, assignments on special operations and vice/narcotics teams, and completion of the department’s SWAT training program. His career is marked by a commitment to excellence, innovation in training, and a deep dedication to the development of law enforcement professionals.
(720) 913-1356
jason.moore@denvergov.org
Corporal Anthony Norman, a proud Denver native, has dedicated over 20 years to serving as a Denver Police Officer. Before transitioning to law enforcement, he worked in the investment field, where he honed his skills in analysis, strategic thinking, and decision-making—skills that continue to influence his approach to policing. Corporal Norman began his career in District 5 before spending the majority of his time in District 6, where he developed extensive experience in various aspects of law enforcement. Today, he has the privilege of serving as an instructor at the Denver Police Academy, where he is passionate about training and mentoring the next generation of officers. Reflecting on his journey, Corporal Norman finds great purpose and fulfillment in shaping the future of law enforcement in Denver. His commitment to the department and the community continues to drive him as he helps prepare recruits for the challenges of modern policing.
(720) 913-1379
anthony.norman@denvergov.org
Corporal Andrew Richmond brings over 25 years of dedicated law enforcement experience, with a strong emphasis on tactical training, reality-based instruction, and community-oriented policing. Since 2013, he has served as an instructor at the Denver Police Academy, where he leads both basic and lateral recruit classes and provides in-service training for active officers. He is a POST-certified Full Skills Instructor in Arrest Control, Driving, and Firearms, and also holds certifications as an Immediate Action Rapid Deployment (IARD) Instructor and Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Facilities Safety Officer. Before transitioning to the Academy, Corporal Richmond was a member of the District 2 Street Crimes Attack Team, where he led and participated in operations targeting criminal activity, engaged with the community through public meetings, and implemented innovative policing strategies to address emerging crime trends. His law enforcement career began with the Boulder Police Department in 1996, where he served in patrol, worked as a Field Training Officer, taught Arrest Control, and served as a crime scene technician. Throughout his career, Corporal Richmond has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to officer development, proactive policing, and building stronger, safer communities. Go Buffs!
(720) 913-1377
andrew.richmond@denvergov.org
Corporal Damon Roman brings over three decades of combined experience in high-intensity, mission-critical roles. With 22 years in military special operations, he has operated in some of the most demanding environments worldwide, developing expertise in tactics, leadership, and adaptability under pressure. Following his military career, he transitioned to law enforcement, where he has spent the past 10 years as a dedicated police officer. During his time in the field, Corporal Roman served as a training corporal in District 6, where he mentored and led officers through real-world scenarios with a focus on safety, integrity, and operational excellence. His leadership and commitment to training helped shape the professional development of fellow officers in high-stakes environments. Currently, Corporal Roman serves as a full-time Arrest Control Instructor at the Denver Police Academy. Drawing from both his military and law enforcement experience, he trains recruits by emphasizing situational awareness, de-escalation, and tactical effectiveness. His approach fosters a culture of accountability, professionalism, and leadership. Corporal Roman is passionate about equipping officers with the skills necessary not just to succeed, but to lead with confidence and serve their communities with honor.
(720) 913-1358
damon.roman@denvergov.org
Corporal Blake Torres began his law enforcement career with the Denver Sheriff Department, following in the footsteps of his family’s law enforcement legacy. From a young age, he was motivated by a deep passion for serving and protecting his community, which ultimately led him to pursue a career in law enforcement. In 2013, Corporal Torres joined the Denver Police Department and began his patrol assignment in District 3 after graduating from the academy. Over the years, he gained extensive field experience, honing his skills in community policing and public safety. His dedication and expertise led to his promotion to Corporal in 2019, within the same district. In July 2024, Corporal Torres transitioned to the Denver Police Academy, where he now serves as a Corporal and instructor. In this role, he teaches a variety of courses, including Arrest Control Tactics (ACT), Defensive Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (DEVOC), Taser, and Firearms training. He also leads several other instructional programs, with a focus on preparing the next generation of officers. Corporal Torres takes great pride in mentoring recruits, ensuring they are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and integrity necessary to serve the city of Denver effectively and professionally.
blake.torres@denvergov.org
Corporal Lynnea Vento began her career with the Denver Police Department in 2015, answering what she believes to be a divine calling to serve and be a positive influence in a world that needs light. Her connection to this calling deepened as she grew closer to her faith, which she believes has guided her path in law enforcement. Corporal Vento started her journey at the Denver Police Academy and was initially assigned to District 5. During this time, she was fortunate to be mentored by experienced officers who played a pivotal role in shaping her into the officer she is today. After serving on patrol in District 5, she was selected to join the City Wide Impact Team, a specialized unit that responded to citywide calls for service and critical incidents, reporting directly to the Chief’s Office. In 2023, Corporal Vento transitioned back to patrol in District 6, where she had the honor of serving as a Police Training Officer, overseeing recruits during their second phase of training after completing the Police Academy. Most recently, Corporal Vento was assigned to the Denver Police Academy as a Corporal, where she now mentors and trains new recruits. She views this new role as both a privilege and responsibility, and she is passionate about guiding the next generation of officers, imparting the knowledge and values she has learned throughout her career. For her, law enforcement is not just a profession, but a calling to serve others with integrity, dedication, and a deep sense of purpose.
lynnea.vento@denvergov.org
Corporal Jamison Waldrop began his career with the Denver Police Department in 2008. Before becoming a police officer, he worked in the restaurant and apartment industries. Though he always had a desire to pursue law enforcement, he took the time to ensure he was fully prepared to step into the role. Corporal Waldrop’s journey with DPD began in District 5, and he later moved to District 3, where he served on the Impact Team. His passion for training and mentoring led him to pursue a leadership role, and in 2017, he was promoted to Corporal. He returned to District 5, where he served as a street-level Corporal until 2024, when he was given the opportunity to join the Denver Police Academy as a Corporal. At the Academy, Corporal Waldrop serves as an instructor for the Defensive Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (DEVOC) and Arrest Control Techniques (ACT). He also teaches a variety of other courses. Though he is formally recognized as an instructor, he prefers to view himself as a "coach," emphasizing guidance and support as he helps develop the next generation of law enforcement professionals.
(720) 913-1383
jamison.waldrop@denvergov.org