A Message from the Chief
To our Golden Community,
I am honored to serve as your Police Chief and to lead the team members of the Golden Police Department. Our approach to service includes a culture of compassion and equity for all. We treat people with dignity and respect as we understand our performance and results are measured one contact at a time. We strive for excellence in everything we do for the residents, business owners, visitors, and stakeholders of our community!
Our team is dedicated to keeping you safe and providing the highest level of professional law enforcement service to this community. This job is not easy, yet we always seek to do the right thing for the right reason. Our team members have good hearts and good intentions. We are not perfect, but our team is as good as you will find anywhere. I am proud of the work they do and the dedication they demonstrate to our community every day.
On November 6, 2024, we lost Officer Evan Dunn in the line of duty when he was investigating a traffic accident. His Training Officer, Bethany Grusing, was also hit and seriously injured. Our team pulled together as a family to support each other throughout this tragedy. You, the members of our community, sent us incredible support as well. We saw those results on a daily basis and thank you for sharing in our grief and recovery.
Our current five-year strategic plan will be coming to an end in 2025. This fall we plan to start working on our next five-year strategic plan. Our plan will be centered around our mission, vision, and values. It will be multifaceted and include comprehensive goals structured to measure performance day to day, month to month, and year to year. We will be flexible and adapt as needed to meet any challenge, doing so with ingenuity, resourcefulness, and expertise. We are unwavering in our responsibility to meet your expectations, and I truly look forward to a bright future together!
Sincerely,
Joe Harvey
On November 6, 2024, the City of Golden suffered the heartbreaking loss of Officer Evan Dunn, who was struck and killed while on scene investigating a traffic accident on Highway 58 just east of Washington. Officer Bethany Grusing, his field training officer, was also seriously injured. We are grateful that Officer Grusing has recovered from her injuries and returned back to serve our community as a police officer.
Officer Dunn, 33, embodied unwavering dedication and a life of service. An Army Aviation Officer, Blackhawk pilot, and Captain in the Colorado National Guard, Officer Dunn brought exceptional experience and commitment to the Golden Police Department. He began his journey with the department as a Code Enforcement Officer, later graduating from the police academy in July and leading with a quiet, steady demeanor, respected and appreciated by his colleagues and community.
First responders, including Golden Fire, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jeffcom dispatchers, Fairmount Fire Protection District, West Metro Fire Protection Rescue, Arvada Fire Protection District, Stadium Medical, and Colorado State Patrol acted with courage and camaraderie during this tragic event. The City extends its heartfelt gratitude to these teams for their support.
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The kindness, compassion, and support extended from the community through donations, meals, flowers, and caring words have been a beacon of resilience. Numerous fundraisers have been hosted across the city to honor Officer Dunn’s legacy and in support of Officer Grusing’s recovery, and the care shown to the entire Police Department is what makes this community second to none. In 2025, the portion of Colorado Highway 58 in Golden will be renamed in Evan’s memory. Officer Dunn was also honored with his name being added to the Colorado Law Enforcement Memorial and the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C. in May of 2025.
Officer Dunn’s life was one of courage, kindness, and dedication. His memory will forever inspire the Golden community. Thank you for standing together to honor his legacy and support those affected.
Our Community
Estimated Population (July 1, 2024) 20,151
Approximate Area 9 sq miles
Elevation 5,675
Founded in 1859, Golden is an idyllic former gold-rush town nestled between North and South Table Mountains and the spectacular foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Originally named “Golden City,” it became the capital of the federally recognized Colorado Territory in 1862 until Denver became the official capital in 1876.
In 2024, Colorado School of Mines, a topranked engineering school, celebrated its 150th anniversary.
The history of Golden would not be complete without the Coors Brewing Company, founded in 1873. Adolph Coors discovered the water of Clear Creek was perfect for brewing beer. In 2024, a multiyear project was complete which modernized the Golden Coors Brewery to improve sustainability and efficiency.
Golden is a popular tourist destination yearround. Whether attending any of the longstanding traditions such as Buffalo Bill Days, enjoying the shops and restaurants in the Downtown area, or hitting a trail for a hike, there is plenty to see and do.
Our Organization One Team
Mission
To keep our community safe through strong partnerships and excellence in service.
Sworn 53 Non-Sworn Professional Staff 18 Total FTE 71
The Golden Police Department, established in Golden City (later the City of Golden) in 1874, has a history marked by significant changes and developments. Originally, town constables were appointed, but in 1874, a formal police department was created with city ordinances. Over time, the department evolved, incorporating new technologies and roles, and today strives for ethical decision-making and public trust.
Meet the Team
Joe Harvey Chief of Police
Mike Hendershot Deputy Chief
Ryan Baker Patrol Officer
Ryan Beale Patrol Officer
Kevin Caffrey Police Officer
Molly Benson Patrol Officer
Alyssa Brenner Patrol Corporal
DavionChavez CodeEnforcement
Latara Durand Criminalist
Tyler Eaton Patrol Officer
Mark Donohue Commander, Patrol MarcusWilliams Commander, SupportServices
Nate Brown Patrol Sergeant
AllisonBusch CodeEnforcement
KathyCline RecordsSpecialist
GregoryEster CodeEnforcement
AmandaCordova Criminalist
LindaEverett RecordsSpecialist
Naomi Cadena-Mitchell Criminalist
Ryan Custer Patrol Officer
MaryDale RecordsSupervisor
AlissaDarrow SystemsCoordinator
KellyFanelli RecordsSpecialist
NiccoFanelli-Poole Detective ChristianFarris PatrolCorporal
Christopher Fink Patrol Officer
Madison Goss Patrol Officer Bethany Grusing Patrol Officer
Jeff Fischer Patrol Officer
Justin Garcia Investigations Sergeant Guy Garner Traffic Corporal
Madison Goldsmith Patrol Officer
Steve Guess Patrol Sergeant
Nicole Hougland Patrol Officer
Sam Hufschmidt Patrol Corporal
Jodie Marquez
Administrative Coordinator
Angela Gosalvez Co-Responder
Steven Gurule Patrol Corporal
Patrick Huwa Code Enforcement
Makenzie Metzger Patrol Corporal
Phil Morgan Accreditation Coordinator
Dan Hyde School Resource Officer
Courtland Haslett Code Enforcement
Shawn Henslee K-9 Officer
Sean Horne Detective
Ashley Jensen Code Enforcement
Trevor Novak Detective
Aden Jones Community Resource Officer
Joe Page Training Officer
Chris Kerrick Patrol Officer
Logan Pickett Patrol Officer
Anne Pike Community Resource Officer
Joanna Porter Code Enforcement
Brian Radulovich School Resource Officer Philip Rogers Patrol Corporal
Ben Salentine Special Operations Sergeant Shams Sayed Detective Kumasi Sayers Patrol Officer
Cody Schroeder Patrol Sergeant
Gretchen Schroeder Detective
Anteus Wright Traffic Officer
Jamie Segal Code Enforcement Supervisor
Adam Zutman Patrol Sergeant
Stephanie Sipes Professional Standards Sergeant
Talya Sodano Patrol Officer
Brian Tate Patrol Officer
Christian Whyte Patrol Officer Jessica Weathers Detective
Innovative Workweek
On July 10, 2023, the Golden Police Department began a compressed workweek trial that supported all employees working four, eight-hour days or 32-hours per week.
The move to a compressed workweek was intended to improve quality of life, hiring and retention of staff. Under the leadership of City Manager, Scott Vargo, the City of Golden is likely the first governmental entity in the United States to try this innovative work schedule where working 40-hours per week has been the industry standard. Turning the trial, the compressed workweek schedule has improved moral and employee health while reducing stress.
The City’s top priority during the pilot was to continue the delivery of quality, efficient, and effective services throughout the community, maintaining or improving our level of performance. The police department has carefully tracked data for all work areas and the results have been consistently at levels prior to the pilot or achieved higher levels. Response times to emergency calls for service has been consistently under five minutes. While calls for service has increased to over 30,000 per year, self-initiated activity by officers has increase dramatically from around 5,000 annually to over 13,000.
National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS)
CRIME DATA
When members of our 35-sworn patrol team are not responding to dispatched calls for service, you can find them throughout the City engaging with our community, educating drivers on traffic safety, conducting self-initiated contacts for suspicious activity or a bar check, writing reports or booking in property and evidence.
Roadway Safety
Traffic Stops Traffic Citations
6,523 3,705
Arrests
InSeptember2022,GoldenCityCouncilapprovedameasurethatreduced neighborhoodspeedsfrom25mphto20mphtomakeneighborhood streetsandstreetsnexttoparks,schoolzones,andconstructionzones saferforeveryone.
InJune2023,GoldenCityCouncilapprovedameasurefortheuseofphoto radartohelpreduceuniformedpoliceofficertobephysicallypresentfor thepurposeofspeedenforcement.Coined“20isPlenty”,thiseffortaims tolowertheriskoffatalityandsevereinjurybetweenvehiclesand pedestrians.
Theuseofphotoradarlowerstheneedandcostforstaffingandincreases theabilityforthePoliceDepartmenttofocusresourcesinotherareasof thecommunityrelatedtopublicsafety.ThePoliceDepartment,CityTraffic Engineer,andtheMobilityandTransportationAdvisoryBoard(MTAB) providedsupportforbothoftheseCouncildriveninitiatives.
Withoverayearunderourbelts,therearestillquestionsbuzzingon exactlyhowTwentyisPlentyoperates:
ThePoliceDepartmentdeploysanunmarkedvehiclewithphotoradarin residentialneighborhoods,schoolzones,streetsnearparks,and constructionzones.Residentialareasmusthavehousingonbothsidesof thestreet.
TheCitycandesignatespecificstreetsasautomatedvehicle identificationsystemcorridorsiffiveyearsofdatashowcrashes, speeding,recklessdriving,orcommunitycomplaints.Goldenhasno designatedcorridorsatthistime,butmayconsideraddingtheminthe future.
Photoradarcanbeusedviaatrailer,vehicle,ormountedcamera withoutanoperatorpresent.Signsmustbeposted200–500feetin advance.Citationsareissuedforspeeds11mphoverthelimit,with finescappedat$40inresidentialareasand$80inschoolor constructionzones.
Citationsarepaidtoathird-partyout-of-statecontractorwhich reimbursestheCity.
Photoradarcitationsin2024included3,167citationsissuedinaresidential neighborhoodand467citationsinaschoolzone.Together,we’reworking towardourcommunityunderstandingTwentyISPlenty.
Professional Standards
Department Complaints
Internal 2 External 5
Outcome of Sustained Complaints
Demotion 2
Resign in Lieu of Termination 1
Termination 1
In 2024, of the 30,474 calls for service, there were 82 incidents which involved Use of Force
Officer Applied Force
Control 50
Handgun 113
Less Lethal Shotgun 1
Rifle 4
Shotgun 3
Strike 1
Taser 15
Successful 3 year virtual assessment rd
Welcomed a new Accreditation Coordinator
Continued efforts for upcoming 2025 on-site review
RECORDS
Detectives
Criminal Investigations
Cases Assigned
2024 131 2023 132
11.6% all department criminal cases
Cases Filed
2024 28 2023 19
Patrol Case Filing Reviews
2024 43 2023 44
Scene Call-Outs
2024 26 2023 43
Scene Consults
The Criminalist’s have dual functionality, they manage the property/evidence vault as well as crime scene response.
2024 38 2023 51 Evidence Vault
Average 20,000 - 22,000 pieces of property and evidence
Property/Evidence Booked-In
2024 1,926 2023 2,401
Property/Evidence Booked-In
Crime Scene Investigation
In 2024, the Criminalist’s spent a combined 498-hours responding to major crime scenes, processing vehicles and conducting follow-up. 220-hours were spent writing reports and our Senior Criminalist spent 25hours training personnel.
Special Operations Unit
The Special Operations Unit focuses heavily on proactive activities which include traffic enforcement and community involvement. The unit includes the SOU Sergeant, two traffic officers and three community resource officers.
Special Enforcement
The Special Enforcement team is responsible for all City ordinance and Animal Management. All are civilian and include a supervisor, seven (7) Community Service Officers, and two (2) Seasonal Park Rangers. This team responds to calls for service and works with the community to improve the appearance of the city. The Seasonal Park Rangers focus their efforts on trails and in the City parks, particularly along Clear Creek where they educate and enforce City ordinances and park rules with all visitors..
Special Assignments
School Resource Officers (SRO)
Two officers are assigned as SRO’s. One assigned primarily to Golden High School, the other to Bell Middle School while both support our elementary and alternative schools. Our SRO’s are committed to providing a safe learning environment and making positive connections with students
7 operators, 5 certified and 2 in training
4.5 flight hours over 3 aircraft
Drones were deployed for test and training flights, search for suicidal subjects, traffic crash investigation, suspect searches, death investigation / crime scene documentation, and animal control / DOW assistance.
K-9
The department’s K-9 team, Mao and his partner Officer Shawn Henslee, primary functions are to respond to calls with armed, dangerous or fleeing suspects, tracking missing persons or suspects, crowd control, building and evidence searches.
They responded to 330 calls for service which included 13 assists to other agencies and completed 78 case reports.
Mao and Shawn also spend their time educating the public through demonstrations and community engagement and participating in rigorous training.
Special Assignments - Task Force
Colorado Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force (CMATT)
Cases 2024 30 2023 10
C‑MATT is a specialized, proactive force that:
Investigates and disrupts organized auto theft operations
Recovers stolen vehicles and firearms
Uses data and intelligence tools for informed policing
Coordinates multi-agency legal and prosecutorial strategies
Leverages state grants to amplify efforts and public awareness
Their work has significantly reduced auto theft in the Denver metro area and is a key factor in curbing broader criminal activity tied to illicit vehicle use.
Golden PD assigned their first detective to CMATT in August of 2023
Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
Golden PD Members 5
Officers participating on the Jefferson County Regional SWAT team undergo rigorous testing and training to perform in highpressure, high-risk incidents. The SWAT team was called-out to fifteen (15) incidents in 2024 that included active shooter situations, barricaded subjects, high-risk search warrants and assists to other agencies.
West Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF)
Cases 2024 7 2023 8
The WMDTF is an interagency cooperation between the Arvada, Golden Lakewood, and Wheat Ridge Police Department’s, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Federal agencies who work collaboratively on drug trafficking investigations, surveillance and undercover operations, search warrants and raids, and seizures of illegal drugs and property.
Community Impact:
Reduce violent crime
Reduce overdoses by targeting high-level traffickers.
Assists in community education and outreach related to drug dangers
Co-Responder Victim Outreach Inc. (VOI)
Golden PD utilizes a Co-Responder model to better address both emergency mental health crisis calls, such as suicidal individuals, as well as non-emergency mental and behavioral health related calls such as conducting welfare checks and connecting vulnerable populations (homeless, elderly, children and youth, mentally ill, substance abuse, etc.) to community services and resources. The coresponder model draws upon the combined expertise of police officers and mental health professionals to provide the right resources and assure the best possible outcome for the citizens of Golden experiencing crisis.
Two Co-Responders report to the City’s Thriving Communities Director but can be found working from the Police Department as part of our team.
The Golden Police Department partners with Victim Outreach Inc. to ensure that victims receive the support and resources they need.
Volunteer victim advocates are available 24/7 to respond to scenes, provide resources, complete follow-up which includes assistance with the court process, determining Victim Rights and coordinate any qualifying financial assistance.
Community Events and Highlights
22nd Annual Employee Awards
Medal of Honor (Posthumous)
Officer Evan Dunn
The Medal of Honor is the highest decoration awarded by the Golden Police Department, reserved exclusively for members who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Officer Evan Dunn displayed unwavering dedication and selflessness while performing his sworn duties on November 6, 2024, when he was tragically killed in the line of duty while ensuring the safety of his community.
Officer Dunn’s sacrifice meets every criterion for this esteemed award. His death occurred while actively serving and protecting the public. His unwavering commitment to duty in the face of extreme risk highlights the gravity of his loss to the department and the community.
As a recipient of the Medal of Honor, Officer Dunn’s legacy will be preserved as a symbol of courage and dedication to the Golden Police Department. His name will be enshrined as a fallen hero, ensuring that his sacrifice is never forgotten.
This award is not just recognition, it is a testament to Officer Dunn’s bravery, devotion, and the impact he had on his fellow officers and the community he served.
Purple Heart & Medal of Valor Officer Bethany Grusing
The Purple Heart is awarded to officers who sustain serious physical injuries in the line of duty, particularly those that require hospitalization and result in long-term impairment.
The Medal of Valor is awarded to officers who exhibit extraordinary merit in situations involving extreme risk, combat, or life-threatening conditions.
Purple Heart: Officer Grusing suffered severe injuries while engaged in a law enforcement function, meeting the policy criteria for this award.
Medal of Valor: She faced Extreme Risk, endured a lifethreatening incident, and displayed unwavering courage, making her fully eligible for the department’s highest honor.
Failing to recognize Officer Grusing with both the Purple Heart and Medal of Valor would undermine the significance of her sacrifice and the extraordinary risk she faced in the service of her community.
This recommendation is made in honor of her bravery, resilience, and the ultimate sacrifice made by Officer Evan Dunn.
Employee of the Year
Detective Nicco Fanelli-Poole
Detective Nicco Fanelli-Poole has proudly served the City of Golden and the Golden Police Department for more than eight years. Since joining our agency, he has consistently demonstrated outstanding professionalism, unwavering commitment to victims, exceptional investigative skill, and an infectious positivity that motivates and uplifts everyone around him.
Detective Nicco Fanelli-Poole exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated public servant and an exceptional employee. His relentless pursuit of justice, deep compassion for victims, dedication to his colleagues, and consistent demonstration of department values make him the ideal candidate for Employee of the Year.
Recognizing Detective Fanelli-Poole with the 2024 Employee of the Year Award ensures that his extraordinary contributions to our community and department are appropriately honored, highlighting the very best the Golden Police Department has to offer.
Employee Recognition
Kathy Cline
35 Years of Service
Distinguished Citizen Medal
Madeline Murray
The Distinguished Citizen Medal is awarded to civilians who exhibit selfless acts of courage, heroism, or meaningful contributions in support of the police department and the community.
Chief’s STAR Award
Corporal Sam Hufschmidt
Officer Jeffrey Fischer
The Chief’s STAR Award is presented to department members who exemplify the department’s mission, vision, and values through extraordinary dedication, professionalism, and contributions that exceed expectations.
Distinguished Service Award
Officer Kevin Caffrey
Officer Christopher Fink
Officer Madison Goss
Officer Shawn Henslee
Officer Aden Jones
Officer Talya Sodano
Officer Brian Tate
Officer Christian Whtye
Corporal Steven Gurule
Detective Nicco Fanelli-Poole
Commander Marcus Williams
Fire Chief Kasey Beal
Battalion Chief Sean Jones
Battalion Chief Rick Van Der Velde
Engine 21 Crew
Caleb Eytcheson
Kellan McTague
Dylan Morris
Rescue 21 Crew
Hayden Holland
Cody Kalb
Jason Mulari
Medic Crew
Lexi Adams
Alex Barros
The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to officers, firefighters, and medical personnel who demonstrate extraordinary gallantry, exceptional courage, and unwavering professionalism while persevering through significant risk. This award also recognizes those who risk their own safety to perform critical duties under dangerous conditions.
Leadership Excellence Award
Sergeant Justin Garcia
Sergeant Steve Guess
Sergeant Stephanie Sipes
Commander Mark Donohue
Deputy Chief Mike Hendershot
Chief Joe Harvey
Chaplain Kevin Shive
The Leadership Excellence Award is presented to members who consistently demonstrate exceptional leadership, mentorship and professional growth, fostering an environment of guidance, accountability and support within the department.
Meritorious Service Medal
Corporal Guy Garner
Officer Anteus Wright
CSO Courtland Haslett
Chaplain Kevin Shive
The Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to officers who demonstrate exceptional leadership, commitment, and professionalism while performing critical duties under demanding circumstances.
Professional Conduct Award
Scott Vargo, City Manager
Meredith Ritchie, Golden PIO
Jodie Marques, Administrative Specialist
CSO Davion Chavez
CSO Gregory Ester
CSI Latara Durand
Officer Ryan Baker
Detective Nicole Hougland
Detective Trevor Novak
Detective Gretchen Schroeder
Sergeant Cody Schroeder
Sergeant Steve Guess
Jacki Kelley, JCSO PIO
Karlyn Tilley, JCSO PIO
JCSO Deputy Adam Stafford
JCSO Division Chief Del Kleinschmidt
Chief Ed Brady, Arvada PD
Dr. Tiffany Christ, Brower Psychological
Jennifer Griffin, Victim Outreach Inc.
Jeffcom Dispatch
Amy Anderson
Kara Beston
Nancy Burckhalter
Annette Bueno
Justin Eiffes
Renee Napoli
Kevin Norman
Courtney Wolschlager
The Professional Conduct Award is presented to department members who demonstrate exceptional professionalism, dedication, and a commitment to excellence while performing critical duties under challenging conditions.
Agency Recognition
Arvada Police Department
Arvada Fire Department
Brower Psychological
Colorado State Patrol
Fallen Heroes Foundation
Golden Fire Department
Jeffcom 911
Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
Lakewood Police Department
West Metro Fire
Wheat Ridge Police Department
Honoring our partner agencies for unwavering support, dedication, and professionalism during an incredibly challenging time. Their contributions were instrumental in ensuring the safety, coordination, and well-being of all involved, demonstrating the true spirit of interagency collaboration and service.
