Matthew is a first-generation college student who is pursuing his education while still working as a full-time police officer and legal instructor. Matthew is currently a student at Sonoran Desert Institute studying Firearms Technology and was recently placed on the Dean’s list for achieving a 4.0 GPA. Matthew has been working in law enforcement for 11 years and is dedicated to giving back to his community. As a police officer, he has received numerous community awards for his outreach and dedication including Crisis Intervention Officer of the Year, MADD DUI Enforcement Officer of the Year, CHP’s Stolen Vehicle Investigator of the Year, and two-time winner of the Police Officer of the Year. Matthew is passionate about building homeless outreach and mental health programs and he is currently working with the Department of Veteran Affairs to help Veterans in need. Matthew wants to make an impact on his community, to this end, his career goal is to be the Sheriff of Ventura County, California. To reach his goal, he is pursuing an Associates of Science in Firearms Technology followed by a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and finally, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.