We’re pleased to introduce the newest leaders at the Grand Junction Police Department! After a competitive process, these four officers were recently promoted to a variety of supervisory positions in our agency.
Commander Douglas Norcross has served in law enforcement for nearly 40 years; first with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in Golden, Colorado, before joining the Grand Junction Police Department in 1990. While at the GJPD, he has served as a Field Training Officer, Patrol Corporal, Detective in Investigations for property crimes and crimes against persons, Intelligence Unit Officer with the Grand Valley Joint Drug Task Force, SWAT operator, and Investigations Sergeant managing the Western Slope Auto Theft Task Force. Commander Norcross was promoted to the position of patrol commander during the summer of 2021, and oversees the traffic unit.
Sergeant Matt Mecum was promoted to the position of Sergeant in August. He holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in conservation. Sergeant Mecum has been employed with the Grand Junction Police Department since 2015. Prior to working for GJPD, he served with the Urbana Illinois Police Department for 10 years where he was a narcotics detective, lead firearms instructor, active shooter instructor, A.L.I.C.E. instructor, defensive tactics instructor as well as being named Police Officer of the Year for 2012. Sergeant Mecum has served as a firearms instructor, field training officer, and a peer support member during his time with the GJPD.
Corporal Colter Church was promoted to the position of corporal during the summer of 2021. He holds multiple degrees from Colorado Mesa University after which he attended the Colorado Police Corps Academy. Corporal Church has been in law enforcement almost 17 years and began his career with the City of Northglenn Colorado, before coming the GJPD in 2008. Corporal Church has worked as Field Training Officer, SWAT team member, Street Crimes Officer, a member of the Western Colorado Drug Task Force, and is currently a patrol tactics instructor and a range Instructor.
Corporal Tom Nelson was promoted to the position of patrol corporal this summer. Corporal Nelson studied Criminal Justice and Sociology at Colorado State University. In 2013, he graduated the Western Colorado Peace Officers Academy and began his career in patrol. Since that time, he has served as a Defensive Tactics Instructor, Patrol Tactics Instructor, and Field Training Officer. Most recently, Corporal Nelson was a member of the Grand Junction Police Department Community Resource Unit (CRU). Corporal Nelson has known most of his life he wanted to be a police officer; his father served for over 30 years as a police officer for the Longmont Police Department. “From a young age I knew this is what I always wanted to do. My dad was and still is my role model and the experiences and stories he shared with me definitely steered me down this path. I am thankful and beyond blessed to call GJPD and the city of Grand Junction my home."
On Tuesday, September 7, a promotional ceremony was held to recognize the accomplishments of these officers, as well as six additional officers who were promoted in 2020. You can read more about those promotions here. Congratulations to all of these valuable law enforcement leaders! This community is fortunate to have you and will no doubt benefit from your experience and commitment to excellence.