Mesa County honors Laurie Galvan for 33 years of service at public hearing

Mesa County Commissioners recognized longtime Sheriff’s Office employee Laurie Galvan during a public hearing Feb. 3, marking her retirement after 33 years of service.

Galvan, a lieutenant with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, was honored at the start of the commissioners’ regular meeting, where Sheriff Todd Rowell reflected on her career and the lasting impact of her work.

“Her stamp on the county and the Sheriff’s Office will be left for generations,” Rowell told Commissioners and community members.

Galvan began her law enforcement career in 1985 at the Colorado State Patrol Academy, becoming the first female trooper in northeastern Colorado. She later joined the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, where she served in a wide range of roles, many of them behind the scenes.

Over her career, Galvan helped establish the agency’s bike team, served as the only female SWAT commander in the office’s history, and played a key role in internal investigations, policy development and training.

Rowell credited Galvan with helping build the foundation for the Sheriff’s Office training academy and introducing nationally recognized training programs that continue to shape law enforcement practices locally and across Colorado.

Commissioners also thanked Galvan for her steady service and commitment to the community.

Galvan declined to speak during the hearing, but Rowell said it had been his honor to work with her throughout her career. Commissioners wished her well in retirement and thanked her for making Mesa County a better place.