Police Personnel, Patches & Coins

Chief Wes LiCalzi started his career in law enforcement in 2008. He has served multiple communities across distinguished law enforcement agencies. His background includes dedicated service at the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Washington City Police, Springdale Police, and three and a half years at Utah Tech University in both reserve and full-time capacities. These diverse experiences working for communities large and small have uniquely equipped Chief LiCalzi with a deep understanding of the varied needs inherent in community-based policing.

Throughout his career, Chief LiCalzi has held advanced roles across departments as a patrol sergeant and shift supervisor. While at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, he held the esteemed position of detective sergeant, overseeing this division with cases involving the Special Investigations Unit, major crimes, digital forensics, crime analysis, and crime scene processing. His contributions extended to working with the Utah Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Washington County Critical Incident Task Force, demonstrating his commitment to broader law enforcement initiatives.

Chief LiCalzi's experience includes many responsibilities, encompassing roles as former commander of the Crisis (Hostage) Negotiations Unit, a proficient firearms/active shooter instructor, and a field trainer and certifications in Force Science, digital forensics, DSA Clery Academy, FEMA incident command, Crisis Intervention Team, Computer Voice Stress Analysis, crime scene diagramming, and Intelligence Liaison Officer.

Although ultimately earning his Bachelor’s Degree from Arizona State, Chief LiCalzi has associated himself with the Utah Tech University for much of his life, starting while in high school, working with CEC as a cameraman/replay technician for various sporting events, working several years at the Campus Store, and time as the station manager and DJ for the radio station while attending classes to earn a degree.

Chief LiCalzi considers himself to be a product of this University and is excited to dedicate the skills he has learned through his law enforcement career to represent Utah Tech University.

Sergeant Fulgencio has been a police officer since 2018 when he was hired by Utah Tech Police Department as he was finishing his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Since starting his career, he has obtained his Field Training Officer certification that has served him in training new officers and reserve officers on Utah Tech Police Department procedures. Sergeant Fulgencio also completed the Sexual Assault Training to be able to handle these incidents using best practices. Most recently, he obtained an Instructor’s Certification in Emergency Vehicle Operations, which allows him to train Utah Tech Police Department officers on vehicle operations to include department policy, state statue, and practical skills to operate our vehicles. Sergeant Fulgencio has served as the Housing Liaison, Fleet Coordinator, and most recently as the Special Event Coordinator. Serving as the Special Event Coordinator includes reviewing security needs for events on campus of all sizes, coordinating with other University departments and officials, as well as developing and executing event safety plans to ensure a safe environment for our students and community.

Corporal Cochran started at his career in law enforcement with the Washington County Sheriff's Office in 2005. He worked in Corrections for 3 years then worked as a Reserve from 2008-2010 while he moved his family to SLC and finished his Bachelor's Degree. Corporal Cochran received a Bachelor’s Degree in Geographic Information Systems. He then returned to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and worked in Transport, then Patrol, and Investigations. Corporal Cochran is a Certified Field Training Officer and has attended multiple trainings while working in investigations. He has worked sex crimes and went to Advanced Homicide Trainings. Corporal Cochran was a member of the Critical Incident Task Force while at the Sheriff's Office and participated in the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Corporal Cochran was hired by Utah Tech Police Department in June of 2020 where he is a Field Training Officer, Training Coordinator and a member of the Public Order Team.

Corporal Peacock began his career after graduating from the Dixie State College Police Officers Standards Training (POST) in 1997. He worked for St. George Police Department from 1996 to 1998 as a Reserve Officer while attending the Academy. Corporal Peacock started full-time with the Utah Highway Patrol in June 1998 and was assigned to State Capitol in Dignitary Protection Services for a year before being assigned to field work in Millard County. While working with Utah Highway Patrol in Millard County he had extensive training and experience in accident investigation, traffic enforcement, and also served as a Drug Recognition Expert and an instructor for field sobriety in the Drug Recognition Program. In 2005, Corporal Peacock was hired by the Millard County Sheriff’s Office and was assigned to the Patrol Division. While serving the citizens of Millard County, Corporal Peacock was assigned to the K9 unit and handled 2 dual purpose dogs over the course of 9 years. He and his K9’s became certified multiple times as a dual purpose K9’s through Utah Police Officer Standards and Training program and the American Working Dog program. Corporal Peacock participated on SWAT and attended several SWAT training programs along with additional trainings in sexual assault investigations. He is a Certified Child Forensic Investigator and attended latent fingerprint school with the Utah Crime Lab. Corporal Peacock retired from law enforcement in 2019 and moved to St. George before being hired by Utah Tech Police Department in 2022.

Corporal Todd is a Police Officer with the Utah Tech Police Department where he diligently serves the campus community with his experience and expertise. He has served in law enforcement for 33 years in various types of roles and assignments to include working for the Utah Highway Patrol for 10 years and Homeland Security for over 20 years. Corporal Todd has extensive experience and training in Sexual Assault Investigations and is currently assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Flynn speaks Spanish and is often asked to assist surrounding agencies with Spanish translations and is influential in developing relationships at the Utah Tech through community policing.

Officer Nichols started his career in 1997 with the Utah Highway Patrol. Along working with UHP, Officer Nichols has worked as a Deputy with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office and a Sergeant with Springville Police Department. Officer Nichols has experience with SWAT, K9, Drug Interdiction, and Dignitary Protection. He has been involved with the Drug Recognition Expert Program, and an instructor for SWAT Dog School and an instructor for both K9 Drug Detection and Apprehension. Officer Nichols has attended multiple leadership trainings taught by Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training as well as FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association.

Officer Piedra is a dedicated law enforcement professional with several years of diverse experience in the field. His career began as an animal control officer, setting the foundation for his latest specialization in animal-related cases and animal abuse investigations. Officer Piedra graduated from the Dixie State University Police Academy. During the academy he was quickly hired with the Washington County Sheriff's Office as a Correctional Officer for 2 years. He moved on to work for Washington City Police as a patrol officer for the past 6 years. Officer Piedra was hired by Utah Tech Police Department in the Summer of 2020 as a Reserve Officer. Officer Piedra is an experienced Field Training Officer and is an Emergency Vehicle Operations Instructor. He is also part of the Crisis Intervention Team which helps with people going through a mental health crisis. Officer Piedra brings a lot of experience in investigating thefts and other crimes. Officer Piedra is known for his compassion towards both people and animals, bringing a wealth of experience to his role. His commitment to public service is evident in his diverse skill set and continuous pursuit of education in the field of Cyber Security.

Officer Powell graduated from The Utah Tech Police Academy and chose to launch her law enforcement career at Utah Tech Police Department. Prior to coming to Utah Tech, she worked at The Dove Center as a victim advocate, after starting as a volunteer. Officers Powell’s experience includes sexual assault advocacy and domestic violence advocacy. Officer Powell has completed multiple trainings for sexual assault counseling and victim advocacy, while participating in The Dove Center Hospital Advocacy Response Team to provide support to sexual assault victims. She is passionate about serving the Utah Tech community and protecting our campus.

Officer Hunter recently graduated from the Utah Tech Police Academy and decided to start his law enforcement career at Utah Tech Police Department. Officer Hunter recently obtained his Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Utah Tech and plans to pursue a Bachelor's Degree. He is excited about serving the Utah Tech community, working with students, and protecting our campus.

Since July 2021, Teresa Starnes has served as the department’s Police Records Administrator and System-Based Victim Advocate. Teresa and her team handle fingerprint services and Utah Criminal History Checks for the public. In 2022, she received the “Advocacy in Action” Award from the Utah Council on Victims of Crime. Acting as a liaison between victims and the criminal justice system, Teresa stays current on legislation regarding victims’ rights and regularly attends training sessions related to police records and victim advocacy. She is dedicated to treating each victim with respect and compassion, providing information on available resources both on and off campus, regardless of whether the incident is reported to law enforcement. In 2023, Teresa received the UT Trailblazer Excellence Award from Administrative Affairs. In 2024, she completed the President's Trailblazer Leadership Development Program, which helped her build stronger connections on campus. For her project in the program, she secured University support to add a crosswalk on Trailblazer Blvd, enhancing pedestrian safety.

Kylie Bishop's journey in Criminal Justice began in January 2023 as an intern at the UTPD. She then transitioned to a volunteer role in June 2023, gaining hands-on experience. In January 2024, Kylie became a Police Records Assistant at the UTPD, showcasing her commitment to maintaining organized records and contributing to departmental efficiency. Currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Psychology, Kylie aims to graduate in spring 2025. Her practical experience complements academic learning, preparing her for a successful career. Looking ahead, Kylie plans to enter the Utah Tech Police Academy in fall 2025, driven by a passion for making a positive impact in law enforcement and the community.