STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-August 3, 2022-Mark Beckett, a 21-year law enforcement veteran, has joined the Steamboat Springs Police Department (SSPD) as Police Commander for Operations.
“We’re fortunate to have Mark join the department. He is an excellent leader and has experience working with the community to develop relationships and solve problems,” said Chief Sherry Burlingame. “He brings a wealth of knowledge that will benefit our officers as we continue our work to strengthen SSPD to better serve the community.”
In this leadership role with SSPD, Commander Beckett is responsible for 20 sworn and six civilian member of patrol operations. Operations incorporates Animal Control, Combined Emergency Response Team, Code Enforcement and Patrol Services.
Prior to joining SSPD, Beckett served as a sworn member of the City of Mesa Police Department (AZ) from August 2001 through June 2022. During his time in Mesa, he was a leader in the Gang Unit and helped establish the FBI Central Arizona Safe Trails Task Force, which targeted violent crime in and around tribal communities. His duties on the task force involve developing relationships in tribal communities as well as working with and supervising a wide variety of sworn and civilian employees.
Over much of his supervisory career, he was assigned to the Mesa Gang Unit where he pioneered the development of a formal training program adopted by several other agencies. Beckett has also been a key proponent of the development of an employee wellness program for the Special Operations Division at the Mesa Police Department. He has been championing mental wellness and been working to destigmatize therapy and wellness programs.
Commander Beckett was awarded the FBI Director’s Award for Excellence in 2020 for his work on the Safe Trails Task Force. Additionally, he has expertise in organizational leadership, critical incident management, investigations, and training.
Before law enforcement, Beckett worked as an Emergency Medical Technician in Buffalo, New York while attending the State University of New York at Buffalo where he obtained a Bachelor of the Arts degree in biology and environmental studies in 2000.
“I’m excited to be a part of SSPD and look forward to working with the incredible staff and officer group,” commented Commander Mark Beckett. “Steamboat Springs is a fantastic place, and I can’t wait to be a part of the community.”
Beckett grew up backpacking and skiing in upstate New York and has a passion for everything outdoors from an early age. He is married with a son and daughter and his wife is a nurse with 17 years of experience. Together, they have dedicated their lives to service to others.
-WeServeTheCity-
Contacts
Sherry Burlingame, Police Chief, 970.879.4344 or email
Mark Beckett, Police Commander, 970.879.4344 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email