Officer Shawn Sholtis

What is the most rewarding part about being a Police Officer?: So far, the most rewarding part about being a police officer for Glendale is the opportunity to reach out to the community by introducing my K-9 partner, Sam, during demonstrations. I love to watch the faces on kids, adults, and our elderly citizens when Sam 'speaks' to the crowd. I enjoy explaining how our K-9s are trained to protect our community by sniffing out bad guys, drugs, and bombs. The community, in return, has had nothing but positive comments about our four-legged partners.
Why did you decide to become a Police Officer?: I have a degree in engineering, but wanted a little more than a 9-5 office job. A good friend of mine is an officer for another agency and would tell me how exciting his job was. I decided to leave the engineering field and become a police officer for Glendale. I know I'm in the right profession now because I enjoy coming to work every day! Each day offers something different from the day before. But at the end of each shift, I have the same feeling: that I helped make Glendale a safer city to live, work, and play.
Can you briefly talk about your experience in law enforcement? (what details you have worked, etc.): I began as every new officer does, in patrol. After three years, I was selected to become a Field Training Officer. I trained several new officers who had just completed their academy training. I was on the SWAT team for two years and found the special weapons and tactics training to be useful not only for SWAT operations, but also for my full-time position in patrol. In September 2005, I became one of the department's first K-9 handlers since the resurrection of the detail after nearly a twenty year absence. I have been with my K-9 partner, Sam, for about 4 years. I have also participated in other activities around the department such as running for the Baker to Vegas team, riding a bicycle 300 miles for the 2005 Police Unity Tour, and playing softball at the Police Olympics.

GPD Life

Click on pictures to learn more about members of the Glendale Police family, including their duties, why they joined GPD, and their hobbies.

Officer Shawn Sholtis

GPD Life

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