FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Sheriff Bill Pribil is pleased to announce that Lieutenant Matthew M. Figueroa has been promoted to the position of Commander of Detention Services for the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). Matthew was one of several nationwide candidates who were selected to participate in the intensive testing and interviewing process. In addition, three other CCSO Detention Staff members also completed the testing and interview process. Sheriff Pribil said, “All of our candidates were highly qualified and represented the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at the highest level. I wish to thank all of the candidates for their professionalism and leadership. Matthew Figueroa has served our agency for 18 years and brings a depth of knowledge and experience to the position of Commander of Detention Services.”
Matthew lives in Flagstaff with his wife Kimberly and their three sons Tyler, Tristen and Trace. He began his formal education at Arizona State University and transferred to Northern Arizona University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice.
Matthew’s family has a strong commitment to the corrections profession. His father and his brother both retired from the Arizona Department of Corrections. He joined the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office in 1996, attended the state Correctional Officers Academy and began his career as a Detention Officer I. He served one year in that capacity and was then promoted to the position of Detention Officer II. While a detention officer, Matthew served as a court officer, transport officer, and he also worked in the intake and inmate housing operations. He served as a Detention Sergeant for 8 ½ years and then as a Detention Lieutenant for the past 8 years during which time he managed all aspects of the day to day operations of the Detention Facility.
In 2000 Commander Figueroa was assigned to the team that facilitated the transfer from the old jail located in downtown Flagstaff to the new facility located at 911 Sawmill Road. He assisted with the recruitment, screening and hiring of new detention staff as the demand for detention officers in the new facility was double the amount of officers who staffed the older facility. He was assigned to the construction site six months prior to the completion date and helped insure that all aspects of the project met specifications.
Prior to 2004, Detention Officers were required to attend a six to seven week Correctional Officers Academy at one of several locations throughout the state. This required the officers to be away from their homes and their families for an extended period of time. Lodging and other expenses proved to be quite costly to the Sheriff’s Office. In 2004 Matt led a team that developed a partnership with the Coconino Community College to develop a curriculum for an accredited basic detention officers’ academy. Students who complete the program not only not only are developed for their new job, they also receive 13 credit hours of college instruction which they can apply to professional development. The establishment of a local Detention Officer Academy represented a significant savings to the Sheriff’s Office and prevented participants from being separated from their homes and families, and also instills officers with long term career opportunities.
In 2012 Commander Figueroa attended and successfully completed a 40 hour National Jail Leadership Command Academy for jail commanders at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville Texas. This training is accredited by the American Jail Association and Correctional Management Institute of Texas. Matt also is nationally recognized as a Certified Jail Manager by the American Jail Association.
During his career Matt has received numerous recognitions and accolades for his dedication and service above and beyond the call of duty to include four National Public Service Recognition Awards, a Sheriff’s Citation for Meritorious Service, an Officer Achievement Award, Officer of the Year award and many others.
Commander Figueroa’s career certainly is in line with and exemplifies many of the goals and philosophies of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office mission, vision, and values. We look forward to his continued participation in the leadership and future of our organization and service to the community.