Name: Jesus Evangelista aka “Angel”
Title: Police Officer
Years with SPD: One year
Q: What inspired you to become a police officer or dispatcher?
My inspiration on becoming a police officer stems from my own experiences in life and having wonderful role models to look up to.
For as long as I can remember, I have been helping complete strangers and volunteering my time in order to give back to the community. My goal as a police officer is to change perceptions on policing and to invest my time as a steward to the city of Sedona and its citizens.
Q: Do you have any prior public safety experience? If so, where?
I started my career in public safety as a volunteer firefighter in New Jersey in 2005 through 2018. In 2008, I started my career with the New Jersey State Police as a public safety telecommunicator. During my time with the New Jersey State Police, I deployed as a member with the Rapid Response Detail Team to high-profile incidents such as the Baltimore protests in April of 2015. Then in 2017, I started my career as a police officer with Pemberton Township Police Department in N.J.
Q: What was it about Sedona Police Department that made you apply?
I went on vacation to Sedona, researched the city, completed two ridealongs. Two weeks after I left, I applied to the open position as a lateral police officer and crossed my fingers.
Q: What do you enjoy most about serving the Sedona community?
Diversity is a big thing for me and Sedona embodies that. Sedona is a tourism cultural melting pot that attracts millions every year. Sedona is a warm and caring community and it shows.
Q: What are your daily or weekly responsibilities?
As a police officer, I take pride in being a steward to the town that I work in and live in. From traffic complaints to property and area checks, I take pride in keeping Sedona safe.
Q: What hobbies do you have away from work?
When I’m not on duty, I love to cook, weight lift and explore the Arizona landscape.
Q: What’s your all-time favorite movie?
I’m not a big movie person. If I have any free time to lounge about, I usually spend it sleeping. Yeah, I’m definitely one of those people. However, if I were a movie person, I would tell you “Alien,” by Ridley Scott.
