Inside the LVPD

La Verne Police Department Chief of Police, Sam Gonzalez

Chief Sam Gonzalez brings over two decades of dedicated service to the La Verne Police Department, recently appointed as the 23rd Chief of Police. With 26 years in law enforcement, Chief Gonzalez’s commitment is highlighted by his diverse experience and deep-rooted dedication.

Before joining La Verne PD, Chief Gonzalez began his career with the Los Angeles Police Department and also served in the United States Marine Corps, which further solidified his dedication to public service. Over the years, he has held a variety of roles that underscore his adaptability and expertise, including Field Training Officer, Police Corporal, Detective, Range Master, Police Sniper, Tactical Flight Officer, Drug Recognition Expert, Patrol Sergeant, and Detective Sergeant. His leadership roles have included Patrol Lieutenant, Detective Lieutenant, Administrative Lieutenant overseeing Support Services, and Operations Captain.

Beyond his official responsibilities, Chief Gonzalez has been an active member of the La Verne community, serving on the Youth and Family Action Committee and the Active Transportation Committee. His involvement demonstrates his commitment to fostering positive community relationships and advocating for safe travel infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.

Chief Gonzalez is a strong advocate for continuous education, holding a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Management and a Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego. His extensive experience, commitment to community engagement, and dedication to professional development position him to lead the department with integrity, vision, and a steadfast commitment to serving the La Verne community.

La Verne Police Department Captain, Travis Tibbetts

Captain Travis Tibbetts, a dedicated public servant with deep roots in the La Verne community, recently joined the La Verne Police Department after a distinguished 24-year career with the West Covina Police Department. Raised in La Verne, he graduated from Bonita High School and later earned his Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from the University of La Verne. He is also a graduate of the POST Command College, demonstrating his commitment to professional growth and leadership in law enforcement.

Captain Tibbetts’ career began at West Covina Police Department, where he served in various roles that allowed him to develop a well-rounded skill set and a thorough understanding of law enforcement. Starting as a patrol officer, he quickly diversified his experience by working in the traffic division and as a member of the SWAT team. His dedication and skill earned him a promotion to the rank of Corporal in 2008, where he took on additional roles as a SWAT team sniper, Field Training Officer, and detective, specializing in financial and sex crimes.

Promoted to Sergeant in 2012, Captain Tibbetts expanded his expertise by leading patrol teams, becoming a SWAT team leader, and supervising as a firearms instructor. His administrative skills were further utilized in overseeing professional standards, communications, and the city’s CAD and RMS systems, ensuring high standards in operational technology and policy.

In 2015, he advanced to Lieutenant, where he excelled as a patrol watch commander and led the department’s investigative division for five years. His leadership in these roles strengthened his capability to manage complex operations and investigations, setting a high standard for those he led.

Captain Tibbetts resides in San Dimas with his family. His wife works at La Verne Heights Elementary School, and their two children carry on the family tradition by attending Bonita High School. His commitment to his community, both professionally and personally, makes Captain Tibbetts an invaluable asset to the La Verne Police Department and the residents he serves.

La Verne Police Department Lieutenant, Chris Dransfeldt

Lieutenant Chris Dransfeldt has dedicated over 36 years to law enforcement, beginning his career as a Police Cadet with the La Verne Police Department. His experience includes roles at the Bullhead City Police Department and Claremont Police Department, where he developed a broad understanding of community policing.

Throughout his career, Lieutenant Dransfeldt has held various positions such as Field Training Officer, Detective, Crisis Negotiator, Patrol Sergeant, and Patrol Lieutenant. He currently oversees two patrol shifts and supervises multiple divisions and teams, including the Major Accident Investigation Team, Traffic Division, Homeless Outreach Team, Drone Team, Social Media Team, and Wellness Program. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Management from Union Institute and University and a Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego.

La Verne Police Department Administrative Lieutenant, Cory Leeper

Administrative Lieutenant Cory Leeper is a 30-year law enforcement veteran with the La Verne Police Department, deeply rooted in the La Verne community where he was born, raised, and attended local schools. His journey into law enforcement began at Bonita High School, where he joined the La Verne Police Department as a Police Cadet.

Within a month of graduation, he was hired by the Department, initially assigned to write overnight parking tickets. Soon, he transitioned to work in the jail and eventually moved to the Detective Bureau, where he handled evidence and case filings.

Throughout his career, Lieutenant Leeper has held diverse assignments, including Patrol, Bicycle Team, Field Training Officer, Range Instructor, Detective, FSET SWAT Team Operator, and Narcotics Task Force Detective with LASD Major Narcotics.

Promoted to Sergeant in 2016, he supervised the Reserve Officer Program and Range in the Patrol Division. In 2020, he took on the role of Detective Bureau Sergeant, and by January 2022, he was promoted to Lieutenant, eventually becoming the Support Services Commander in 2023. During those years, he was a founding member in building the Department’s first Special Events Team, first Homeless Outreach Team, first Wellness Team, and more recently, the Business Assistance for Crime Reduction program (BACR)).

Currently, Lieutenant Leeper oversees a range of divisions, including as commander of the Foothill Special Enforcement Team (FSET), Detective Bureau, Training, and Professional Standards. He is also the Area D Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Coordinator for 13 Police Departments in East Los Angeles County.

Lieutenant Leeper remains dedicated to advancing his formal education, having recently graduated from the California Association of Tactical Officers (CATO) 18-month Strategic Leadership Program in October 2024. In addition, he is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership at Claremont Lincoln University, with an anticipated graduation in 2025.

La Verne Police Department Lieutenant, Jay Alvarado

Lieutenant Jay Alvarado began his career with the La Verne Police Department in 2005 after graduating from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Academy. Over his 19 years in law enforcement, he has served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, SWAT Team Operator, Police Corporal, and Detective.

In 2022, Jay was promoted to Sergeant, leading the Homeless Outreach Support Team (HOST), Peer Support Team, Wellness Program, and Special Events Planning. His leadership contributed to the development of a strategic homelessness plan with an integrated mental health component. Jay holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from the University of La Verne and a Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego.

La Verne Police Department Lieutenant, Joshua Wells

Lieutenant Joshua Wells joined the La Verne Police Department in 2000 as a Police Aide, gaining experience in parking enforcement, jail operations, and evidence handling. After graduating from the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Academy in 2002, he advanced through roles as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Motor Officer, and Task Force Officer with LA IMPACT.

Joshua has been recognized with various awards for his work and, in 2024, was promoted to Lieutenant. His current responsibilities in the Patrol Division include overseeing the Training Division, K9 Program, Special Events, Field Training Program, and Drone Program. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Management from Union Institute.

La Verne Police Department Lieutenant, Tom Frayeh

Lieutenant Tom Frayeh began his law enforcement career in 1998 as a deputy sheriff with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department before joining the La Verne Police Department in 1999. He has served in various roles, including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Detective, and Detective Bureau Sergeant.

Tom currently works with L.A. IMPACT, a multijurisdictional task force, and has managed critical areas such as scheduling, training, the dispatch center, and the Homeless Outreach Team. Tom is also known for his work documenting the history of the La Verne Police Department, reflecting his commitment to preserving the department’s legacy.

La Verne Police Department Sergeant, Carlos Flores

Sergeant Carlos Flores began his career with the La Verne Police Department in 2016. He has since served in roles such as Detective and Corporal before promoting to Sergeant. A dedicated member of the Homeless Outreach Team (HOST) since its inception, Carlos plays a key role in addressing homelessness in the community.

In addition to his work with HOST, he is involved in the Special Events Team and serves as the Reserve Officer Coordinator. He also participates in the Business Assistance Through Crime Reduction (BACR) program, which supports safer business environments. Carlos holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and is pursuing a Master’s in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego.

La Verne Police Department Sergeant, Devon Harden

Sergeant Devon Harden has served in law enforcement for over 20 years. He began his career in 2003 with the Montclair Police Department before joining La Verne PD in 2005. Devon has extensive experience, including roles as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, and Detective.

As a detective, he was assigned to the California Multijurisdictional Methamphetamine Enforcement Team (CALMMET) and the L.A. IMPACT task force, both specializing in narcotics enforcement. Devon holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of La Verne and currently oversees POST Training, the Field Training Officer (FTO) program, Use of Force Staff, and the Bike Team.

La Verne Police Department Sergeant, Francisco Cambero

Sergeant Francisco Cambero joined the La Verne Police Department in 2012. He advanced from a part-time Police Aide to full-time Officer after graduating from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Academy. Francisco has served as a Patrol Officer, Drug Recognition Expert, School Resource Officer, Detective, Bicycle Team Member, Certified Drone Pilot, Homeless Outreach Team Member, and Watch Commander.

Currently, Francisco is the Training Coordinator and Drone Team Supervisor. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from California State University, Los Angeles.

La Verne Police Department Sergeant, Mark Guiterrez

With over 20 years of service, Sergeant Mark Gutierrez began his career with the La Verne Police Department after graduating from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Academy. He has since taken on roles such as Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Range Instructor, Detective, SWAT Operator, and DEA Task Force Officer.

Mark currently serves as the Detective Bureau Sergeant, managing radio communications, the patrol vehicle fleet, uniform regulations, and equipment. His responsibilities include oversight of Firearms Training, the Field Training Program, Police Explorer Program, Honor Guard, and Recruitment.

La Verne Police Department Sergeant, Steven Figueroa

Sergeant Steven Figueroa brings 25 years of law enforcement experience, having started his career with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department before joining La Verne PD. He has served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, SWAT Operator, Academy Instructor, and Detective, spending six years on a multijurisdictional narcotics task force.

Steven holds a Bachelor’s degree from California State University, San Bernardino, and a Master’s in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego. As one of three Emergency Medical Technicians for the department, he serves as a tactical medic and SWAT sniper. His current responsibilities include the Regional SWAT Team (FSET), Field Training Program, Advanced Officer Training, Active Shooter Program, Mobile Field Force, Major Accident Investigation Team, and the CCW Program.

La Verne Police Department Police Support Services Manager, Rebekah Biedermann

Rebekah Biedermann began her career in law enforcement in 1991, progressing from a Police Explorer to Public Safety Dispatcher. She gained experience as a Communications Training Officer with Chino Police Department and in CAD/RMS transition projects.

Joining La Verne Police Department in 2018 as Communications Supervisor, she became Police Support Services Manager in 2024, overseeing all professional staff operations. Rebekah holds an Emergency Number Professional (ENP) certification and completed the NENA Center Manager Certification. She serves as a board member of the California CLETS Users Group and participates in training standards planning with the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO).

La Verne Police Department Records Supervisor, Justine Finn

Police Records Supervisor Justine Finn joined the La Verne Police Department in 2017 as a Police Clerk, managing public records requests and serving as Detective Bureau Secretary. In 2020, she was promoted to Records Supervisor, overseeing compliance with updates such as the transition to NIBRS and RIPA Stop Data reporting.

Justine currently manages six Police Clerks in the Records Division. She is active in professional organizations, including Women Leaders in Law Enforcement and the California Law Enforcement Association of Records Supervisors (CLEARS), where she serves on the board for the Southern Chapter.

La Verne Police Department Community Services Supervisor, Hollie Savage

Hollie Savage has been a member of the La Verne Police Department since 2015 and currently serves as the Community Services Supervisor. She is responsible for strengthening community-law enforcement connections through organizing events such as Open House, Every 15 Minutes, National Night Out, Citizen’s Academy, and Neighborhood Watch.

In addition to her community engagement efforts, Hollie manages the department’s social media and serves as the Public Information Officer, ensuring clear communication with the public. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and is a member of industry organizations, including the California Association of Public Information Officers (CAPIO) and the Government Social Media Professional Association. Hollie also serves as the Vice President of the Los Angeles County chapter of Women Leaders in Law Enforcement and is a committee member for their annual conference.

THE CITY OF LA VERNE

A Community with Heart: La Verne is more than just a city; it’s a close-knit community where neighbors become friends. Despite its proximity to the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles, La Verne has preserved its “small-town” feel, making it a welcoming place for everyone.

Diverse and Inclusive: Our community is proudly diverse, with a significant senior population thanks to eight mobile home parks and three large retirement communities. In recent years, new upscale housing developments have attracted many young families, creating a vibrant and balanced demographic.

Comprehensive Services: La Verne offers a full range of high-quality services, including dedicated police and fire departments, excellent water and street maintenance, comprehensive planning and community services, and beautifully maintained parks. We are committed to ensuring the well-being and safety of all our residents.

Educational Opportunities: Education is a cornerstone of our community. La Verne is home to top-rated public and private schools, as well as the esteemed University of La Verne. Our educational institutions are committed to excellence and innovation, preparing students for a successful future.

Balanced Lifestyle: La Verne is a well-balanced residential community with a healthy mix of commercial and industrial areas. Our city is also home to an airport, providing convenience for travel and commerce. Whether you’re exploring our charming downtown or enjoying our numerous parks, there’s something for everyone in La Verne.

Demographics

Spanning 8.5 square miles, our city is home to 31,334 residents, as recorded in the 2020 Census.

La Verne is renowned for its strong support of education, with six public schools in the Bonita Unified School District and three parochial schools, as well as the prestigious University of La Verne.

Our community spirit shines through in popular events like the annual 4th of July parade and fireworks show. La Verne also boasts landmarks such as Brackett Airport, adding to our unique local charm.

8.5Square Miles

31,334Residents

THE LA VERNE POLICE DEPARTMENT

The La Verne Police Department provides law enforcement services to the city of La Verne. The patrol division, which consists of 45 officers, provides three patrol units each shift to patrol the 8.5 square miles which makes up the city.

The Detective Bureau consists of 4 Detectives and a supervising Sergeant who investigate crimes originally reported to patrol officers.

With a commitment to public safety, we are proud to offer a safe, welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.

45Sworn Officers

26Professional Staff

25Reserve Officers (Up to)

30Volunteers

OUR MOTTO

The La Verne Police Department, as a vital component of the City, shall preserve our community’s exceptional quality of life by providing the highest level of law enforcement.

- We shall accomplish this through sound leadership and shared cooperation with the members of our community.
- We shall value small town virtues, providing personalized service, unencumbered by bureaucracy.
- We shall continually use innovative methods to deliver a variety of services through effective management of our resources.
- We shall accomplish these things by creating a learning and rewarding environment for all of our employees.
- We shall anticipate the future and actively plan for it, while recognizing that change is inevitable.

ADMINISTRATION

Sam Gonzalez

Chief

Travis Tibbetts

Captain

Chris Dransfeldt

Lieutenant

Cory Leeper

Administrative Lieutenant

Jay Alvarado

Lieutenant

Josh Wells

Lieutenant

Tom Frayeh

Lieutenant

Carlos Flores

Sergeant

Devon Harden

Sergeant

Francisco Cambero

Sergeant

Mark Guiterrez

Sergeant

Steven Figueroa

Sergeant

Rebekah Biedermann

Police Support Services Manager

Justine Finn

Records Supervisor

Hollie Savage

Community Services Supervisor

OUR HISTORY

History of the La Verne Police Department

The La Verne Police Department has a proud history of service and commitment to public safety that dates back to 1906, the same year the City of La Verne was incorporated. The city of La Verne’s origins trace back to the mid-1880s when entrepreneur Isaac W. Lord purchased land from Jose Palomares and convinced the Santa Fe Railroad to extend its line through the area. In 1887, Lord named the new town “Lordsburg” and sold building lots, positioning the town for growth. Over the years, Lordsburg became known as the “Heart of the Orange Empire,” with the citrus industry playing a pivotal role in its development. Today, two historic orange groves stand as living testaments to this heritage, preserved by the La Verne Heritage Foundation.

As La Verne flourished, so did the need for organized public safety. The La Verne Police Department was established to meet this growing demand, evolving over time to serve a diverse and expanding community. In 1938, the department moved into the newly built City Hall, which housed police headquarters, a courtroom, a criminal identification laboratory, and a two-cell jail. This modern facility reflected the department’s growing role in protecting the city and provided the tools necessary for more advanced law enforcement.

Throughout its history, the La Verne Police Department has consistently adapted to meet the challenges of an evolving community. The department has always been at the forefront of adopting new technologies to enhance public safety. From early innovations like radio communications to today’s advanced use of body-worn cameras, drones, and data-driven crime analysis tools, the department has leveraged technology to improve response times, increase transparency, and ensure the safety of La Verne’s residents.

In 2021, the department reached a significant milestone with the appointment of its first female Chief of Police, highlighting the department’s commitment to diversity, progressive leadership, and community-focused policing.

The La Verne Police Department is not only dedicated to law enforcement but also deeply committed to community service. Programs like the Citizens’ Academy, Neighborhood Watch, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol foster strong relationships between officers and residents, ensuring that the community plays an active role in public safety. These initiatives build trust, enhance collaboration, and create a shared responsibility for maintaining the safety and well-being of La Verne.

As the city continues to grow and change, the La Verne Police Department remains steadfast in its mission to protect and serve with integrity, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the community. Grounded in over a century of history, the department continues to uphold the values of public service while looking toward the future with a focus on innovation and community engagement.

La Verne PD Chief and Captain Discussing Matters

THE CITY OF LA VERNE

Demographics

8.5Square Miles

31,334Residents

THE LA VERNE POLICE DEPARTMENT

45Sworn Officers

26Professional Staff

25Reserve Officers (Up to)

30Volunteers

OUR MOTTO

ADMINISTRATION

Sam Gonzalez

Travis Tibbetts

Chris Dransfeldt

Cory Leeper

Jay Alvarado

Josh Wells

Tom Frayeh

Carlos Flores

Devon Harden

Francisco Cambero

Mark Guiterrez

Steven Figueroa

Rebekah Biedermann

Justine Finn

Hollie Savage

OUR HISTORY

History of the La Verne Police Department

Nixle Alert system

LEGAL

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LEGAL

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