Mission Statement
“To be responsive to all people while preventing crime, maintaining a safe environment and enforce the laws; Through leadership, cooperation and education - IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY
Values Statement
“As members of the Las Animas Police Department, we commit the following basic principles will be used to guide our daily thoughts and actions” INTEGRITY, DEDICATION IMPARTIALITY HONESTY EXCELLENCE
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Vision Statement
“To be a well educated, respected and united organization dedicated and committed to working with the community in order to provide excellent quality police services while recognizing personnel as our most valuable resource”
To contact LAPD please call 719-456-1313 or fax at 719-456-1210
Chief of Police - David W Dougherty - chiefofpolice@lasanimas.city
Chief David Dougherty brings to Las Animas more than forty years of law-enforcement experience, a steadfast commitment to community policing, and a genuine passion for forging trusting relationships between officers and residents. Throughout his career, he has championed programs that engage youth, support victims, and build bridges between law enforcement and the people they serve. He understands that safety is not only about enforcing laws but about listening, educating, and standing shoulder to shoulder with the community.
Chief Dougherty officially assumed his role on January 5, 2026. Over the following weeks, he will be assembling a team of officers who share our values—individuals who are skilled, compassionate, and dedicated to serving Las Animas.
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Deputy Chief - Austin L. Friederichs - assistantpolicechief@lasanimas.city
Deputy Chief Austin Friederichs brings more than 22 years of law enforcement experience and leadership to the Las Animas Police Department. A 2004 graduate of the Otero Junior College Law Enforcement Academy, he began his career in rural law enforcement in 2005 and has advanced through the ranks of Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Corporal, Lieutenant, and now Deputy Chief of Police.
In 2011, he completed the County Sheriffs of Colorado Command Supervisory Institute, strengthening his executive leadership and administrative expertise. Throughout his career, he has earned numerous certifications and instructorships in law enforcement operations, officer development, field training, and agency administration. He has also played a key role in the growth and organizational advancement of law enforcement agencies.
In addition to his public service, Austin has been involved in the operations of a family-owned business in southeast Colorado, providing him with valuable perspective on fiscal responsibility and community needs.
He remains committed to professional, accountable, and community-focused policing while proudly serving the citizens of Las Animas.
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LAPD Administrative Assistant - Tala Anderson - lapdadmin@lasanimas.city
I serve as the Administrative Assistant for the Las Animas Police Department. Working closely with Chief Dave Dougherty since September, 2025, I bring strong organizational skills, professionalism, and a commitment to supporting departmental operations. I contribute a proactive, detail-oriented approach that enhances efficiency and supports the department’s mission to serve the community.
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Thomas Dunagan - LAPD Investigator - pdinvestigator@lasanimas.city
Thomas Dunagan brings over 16 years of law enforcement experience. He began his career with the Colorado Department of Corrections and later served with the numerous law enforcement agency’s throughout the valley.
Throughout his career, Thomas has focused on narcotics enforcement and drug interdiction, earning awards for his efforts to disrupt illegal drug distribution and protect local communities. He has completed specialized training in drug investigations and interdiction techniques and is known for building strong partnerships with local and state agencies.
Thomas is committed to professionalism, integrity, and public service. He believes effective law enforcement is about protecting families, strengthening communities, and ensuring a safe future for the next generation.
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Bret M. Olinger - LAPD Supervisor - lieutenant@lasanimas.city
I am honored to serve as a Lieutenant with the Las Animas Police Department, where I oversee daily operations and supervise our officers as they serve our community. My priority is ensuring that we provide a safe, professional, and community-focused service to the citizens of Las Animas.
I bring seven years of law enforcement experience, having previously served with the Lamar Police Department and the Prowers County Sheriff’s Office. Prior to my law enforcement career, I proudly served six years in the United States Army as an Infantryman. During my military service, I deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from late 2012 to 2013.
I remain committed to serving our community with integrity, dignity, and respect—values that guide both my leadership and our department’s mission.
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Cole Smith - LAPD Officer
I have been in law enforcement for 17 years. I am a 3rd generation law enforcement officer, following my father and grandfather. I have worked in several different roles since becoming a law enforcement officer which makes me excited to bring my years of experience to the team, as well as my great sense of humor, and team player mindset.
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Vanessa Sandoval - LAPD Officer
I have been in law enforcement since 2017. I worked at Bent County Correctional Facility for a year before moving to the Prowers County Sheriff’s Office. I am trained in de-escalation, which has helped in many cases involving children. I enjoy having the opportunity to support the community and look forward to bringing in more resources for families. (I also bring attitude and snacks) ;)
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Don Williamson- LAPD Officer-
Officer Williamson has over 12 years of experience working in law enforcement departments in the Arkansas Valley and retiring from Lamar Police Department before joining Las Animas Police Department, along with other Colorado Law Enforcement Departments. Starting with the Colorado Departments of Parks, over 40 years ago. Throughout his experience Officer Williamson has been involved in patrol operations. Investigations of fraud and counterfeit cases within Colorado and adjoining states, solving multiple sex crimes involving adults and juveniles along with a background in narcotics and drug interdiction cases. Officer Williamson has taken many continuing education opportunities such as completing the FBI Hostage Negotiation program and other investigation and interrogation curriculum and seminars. Officer Williamson has taught new Police recruits by training multiple officers as a Field Training Officer and Taught Criminal Justice classes at Lamar Community College for four years.
Officer Williamson remains committed to professionalism, integrity, and serving the public through community policing policies and programs. He believes effective law enforcement primary goals are strengthening the communities and protecting the citizens of Las Animas.
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Officer Nobel Havens - LAPD Officer
Officer Havens is a 15 year law Enforcement veteran and US Army Veteran. He was born in Salida Colorado, and raised in Fairplay Colorado. During the summers he spent time with his grandparents and family in Rocky Ford, and Las Animas. After he Graduated, he went to the US Army and later with the Colorado Army National Guard and he served in Iraq then after returning, he went to the Otero Junior College Law Enforcement Academy. Officer Havens started his career with the La Junta Police Department before working for the Bent County Sheriff’s Office and the Bent County Correctional Facility before moving to the San Luis Valley where he spent 11 years working in Law Enforcement before returning to Las Animas area.
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Eric Werick - Code Enforcement Officer - las.animas.citycode@gmail.com
A proud Colorado native who was born and raised in the Arkansas Valley. He is a dedicated husband and father that has spent his time working and serving the communities he calls home. His diverse background includes hands-on experience in welding in the Eads, CO area, animal husbandry at the hog farms in Las Animas and serving the community through dietary services at the hospital in La Junta.
In early 2013, Eric returned to Las Animas to serve as the Maintenance Director for the Las Animas School District, where he played a key role in supporting local education through facility management and operations.
Eric and his wife are the proud parents of two grown sons. Outside of work, they enjoy taking long Sunday drives and spending time with family and friends.
Eric began his employment with the City of Las Animas as the Code Enforcement Officer in September of 2024. In his first year, he demonstrated strong commitment to his professional growth by earning state credentials through the Colorado Association of Code Enforcement Officials, strengthening his ability to serve our community effectively.
Eric takes pride in working with residents on a daily basis and is known for his patience, understanding and approachable nature. His dedication to his job reflects his deep rooted connection to the community and his commitment to making the city a better place for everyone!
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