ERICK MALDONADO

Erick Maldonado retired after 29 years of distinguished service with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department in Tucson, Arizona.

After graduating from the basic law enforcement academy in early 1995, Erick began his career as a patrol deputy. His natural leadership, calm communication style, and ability to coach others quickly set him apart. Recognizing these qualities, the department appointed him as a Field Training Officer a full year before he was even eligible to apply—an early indicator of the respect he commanded among peers and supervisors.

Throughout his career, Erick remained deeply involved in training and leadership, mentoring deputies from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department as well as officers from outside agencies. His commitment to professional development became a defining trait of his service.

In 1998, Erick joined the Pima County SWAT Team, igniting a lifelong passion for tactical operations. He dedicated himself to mastering every aspect of tactical proficiency, earning multiple advanced certifications, including:

  • AZ POST General Instructor

  • Firearms Instructor

  • Defensive Tactics & Impact Weapons Instructor

  • Physical Fitness Instructor

  • Mobile Field Force Instructor

  • Taser Instructor

  • Less-Lethal Instructor

  • Explosive Breacher (Las Vegas Metro PD / Chuck O’Connor SME)

  • Ballistic Shield Operator Certified

  • Dignitary Protection (U.S. Department of Defense)

  • Response to WMD Events

  • Recognition and Detection of Improvised Explosive Devices

Erick’s tactical expertise, instructional ability, and leadership led to his promotion to SWAT Team Leader, where he trained law enforcement officers across city, county, and state agencies, as well as U.S. military personnel. He developed the department’s Ballistic Shield Operator and Explosive Breacher Programs, authoring several lesson plans still in use today.

In 2008, Erick achieved his dream assignment: K9 Handler. Drawing from his SWAT and training background, he immediately began developing the unit’s first New Handler Training Program, which remains the foundation of the PCSD K9 training curriculum today. Despite being new to K9 work at the time, Erick’s initiative and attention to structure transformed how handlers were trained. Over his first six-year tour in the K9 Unit, Erick handled and certified two dual-purpose dogs. He played a critical role in enhancing the team’s effectiveness through creative scenario-based training and the integration of SWAT/K9 units.

In 2014, Erick was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, where he supervised multiple patrol squads and mentored new supervisors. He was later assigned to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Unit—one of the busiest and most demanding in Arizona. During his tenure with the unit, Erick earned numerous specialized certifications, including:

  • Inland Search Management School (Search and Rescue)

  • State Certified Search and Rescue Certification

  • Planning Section Chief

  • Rope Rescue Technician Level I, II, and III

  • NREMT (National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians

As K9 Supervisor, Erick revitalized the unit, expanding its capabilities and reputation as one of the premier K9 programs in Arizona. He modernized the New Handler Training Program and created the department’s first K9 Trainer Development Program. During this second tour, he certified with two additional dual-purpose dogs and earned his certification as a K9 Unit Trainer.

With a combined 22 years of experience in SWAT and K9 operations, Erick participated in thousands of missions, earning numerous commendations, including three Public Safety Achievement Medals and the prestigious Medal of Valor.

Today, Erick continues to share his expertise nationally as an Instructor for the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA), teaching SWAT and leadership courses to agencies across the country. His career reflects a rare combination of tactical excellence, instructional mastery, and an unwavering commitment to advancing the profession.