STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-February 1, 2023-The Steamboat Springs Police Department (SSPD) has named Patrol Officers Braxton Shirley and Christian Barnett as new Police Corporals and Officer Sierra Weld will move into a detective position.
“These officers have shown they are more than ready to tackle new responsibilities and roles within the department,” commented Chief Beckett. “Sierra, Braxton and Christian are extremely 
deserving of their achievements, and the department and community will benefit greatly from their experience and expertise in these new roles.”
SIERRA WELD
Police Detective
Growing up in New Jersey, Officer Weld always wanted to be a police officer. After graduating from Florida Southern College with a degree in criminal justice and psychology, she started with the SSPD after attending the Glenwood Springs Police Academy. Most recently, she served as the Police Hiring Officer responsible for recruitment as well as a certified driving instructor. A two-time lifesaving award recipient, Weld, who will be the department’s first female detective, believes one of the best parts of the job is connecting with the community. Outside of work, you can find her outside on the trail skiing, hiking, biking, dirt biking and jeeping.
BRAXTON SHIRLEY
Police Corporal
With SSPD since 2018, now Corporal Braxton Shirley is a certified instructor in several critical areas including Less Lethal Force, Active Shooter Response, Taser Use, as well as a member of the Combined Emergency Response Team. From Southern California, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a double minor in Evidence Collection and Community Based Policing. Braxton also attended the Glenwood Springs Police Academy.
CHRISTIAN BARNETT
Police Corporal
Originally from Indiana, Corporal Barnett joined the department in 2019 after attending the Colorado Post Academy on the CMC Spring Valley Campus. In addition to his patrol duties, he is a member of the Combined Emergency Response Team as well as serves as a Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor and Youth Liaison Officer. Barnett graduated from Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in political science. When not on duty, he likes fly fishing the valley’s many streams and rivers.
The three officers assumed their new roles this past Sunday, January 29, 2023, with the Police Corporals Shirley & Barnett reporting to the Sergeant group and Detective Weld to Chief Beckett.
-WeServeTheCity-
Contact
Mark Beckett, Interim Police Chief, 970.879.4344 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email
Emily Hines, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, 970.871.7031 or email