Colorado City, AZ — The Colorado City Police Department (CCPD) officially welcomed two new Arizona-certified peace officers, Officer Garet Winkler and Officer Dustin Bundy, adding to the department’s patrol and specialized capabilities.
Chief Robb Radley presented the officers during the Town Council Meeting, highlighting their backgrounds and the certification process they recently completed.
Officer Garet Winkler: From Marine to Certified Officer
Officer Garet Winkler was initially hired by the department a year ago after graduating from a Utah POST academy. Having successfully completed the necessary time and training, he recently passed the waiver test to obtain his State of Arizona Peace Officer Certification.
“Officer Winkler comes to us having just served four years in the United States Marine Corps,” Chief Radley noted. “He is married and is continuing his studies at the university. While here in the department, he has also completed the SWAT ‘Hell Week’ training course up in Utah County, which is a difficult and physically demanding school. We look forward to his contribution as an officer.”
Officer Dustin Bundy: 15 Years of Experience and SWAT Expertise
Officer Dustin Bundy, recently hired, has 15 years of law enforcement experience in Utah. His extensive background allowed him to also successfully complete the waiver process this week, making him an Arizona-certified peace officer.
Chief Radley praised his career:
“Bundy had many great accomplishments over his career in law enforcement, including years on his former agency’s SWAT team, making him the fourth SWAT-trained officer in our agency. We look forward to the years of experience he will bring to the police department.”
Department Leadership and Operations Update
The swearing-in of the new officers comes as the CCPD continues to evolve its organizational structure and manage complex operations. The department’s November report detailed significant changes and incidents:
Organizational Changes for Greater Accountability
November saw several key promotions designed to enhance accountability and clarify supervisory duties:
Lieutenant Gower was promoted to Captain, now specifically overseeing investigations, School Resource Officers (SROs), and Internal Affairs.
Sergeant Wilkinson was promoted to Lieutenant, taking specific oversight of the records division, scheduling, software management, and state/federal compliance.
Officer Davis was promoted to the new Patrol Sergeant position after a competitive selection process by a board of supervisors from multiple agencies.
Officer Cox returned to the Detectives division from a School Resource Officer (SRO) at El Cap.
These adjustments, including the creation of a new Captain and Sergeant position, are intended to provide the department with a clearer vision of assigned responsibilities.
November Operational Highlights
Patrol activity remained steady across the twin cities during the month:
Case Reports: Officers took 186 cases in Colorado City and 155 cases in Hildale City.
Traffic Enforcement: There were 76 traffic violations in Colorado City and 90 in Hildale City.
DUI Arrests: Only one DUI driver was taken into custody during November.
High-Risk Incidents Commended
Chief Radley highlighted two high-stakes cases where officers demonstrated exceptional professionalism and restraint:
A male suspect attempted to disable a patrol vehicle with a chainsaw during a traffic stop to avoid arrest on outstanding warrants.
Another suspect brandished a firearm at an officer while fleeing on a motorcycle.
In both instances, the suspects were taken into custody safely at a secondary location. The Chief specifically congratulated the officers involved, stating: “The officers involved showed great restraint in their use of force and found safer ways to make the arrests without using deadly force to do so. I congratulate them on their decision-making and continue to focus on the safety of all involved, as these cases could have ended with different results.”
The department also acknowledged staff changes, welcoming Officer Bundy, while bidding farewell to Officer Lane and Administrative Assistant Ashley Morton, wishing them the best in their future endeavors.
