Sgt. Stevens Bids Farewell to Sedona Police Department After Decades of Service on May 31

Sergeant Chris Stevens, 49, of the Sedona Police Department, is set to retire on Saturday, May 31, after nearly two decades of service since joining on April 18, 2005.

Inspired by his uncle, a police officer in Utah, Stevens pursued a career in law enforcement to support his family. “He instilled in me the belief that success was achievable in this field,” Stevens noted.

Originally from Michigan, Stevens grew up in Rohnert Park, California. After graduating from Brigham Young University with a communications degree, he gained experience working in media relations for the university’s athletic department while playing football from 1996 to 2000. His earlier years included a mission in Mexico City for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

At Rancho Cotate High School, he demonstrated athletic prowess, rushing for 1,260 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns in his senior year while also competing in track. “Football taught me discipline and teamwork,” he remarked, emphasizing the value of his experiences.

After graduation, Stevens moved to Scottsdale, where he connected with Sedona police officers at a job fair. He chose Sedona for its outdoor lifestyle, reminiscent of his roots in wine country. “I had always dreamed of owning a motorcycle, and getting the job allowed me to pursue that,” he explained.

As a sergeant, he supervises a patrol squad of three officers and manages the motor unit and community service officers. On busy days, this entails overseeing multiple teams. His career path included roles as a field training officer and detective, a position he held for 13 years before becoming a full-time sergeant in 2018.

Stevens met his wife, Bobbie, in 2007 when he responded to her vehicle, which was parked with flashers on. Their connection grew, and they married on Cinco de Mayo 2008, later welcoming two children, Ryann and Ryder.

Among his proudest career achievements are two lifesaving commendations. One recognized his swift action using CPR and an AED at Safeway in February 2024, and the other for aiding a 69-year-old man in West Sedona in November 2020.

“These efforts gave families more time together,” he stated, reflecting on the impact of his work.

Stevens’ retirement will be brief as he transitions to a new role as a special agent with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, focusing on fraud investigations in Northern Arizona. “This new position in Prescott aligns with my home and allows me to better serve the residents of Sedona,” he concluded.