USAF Veteran Elizabeth Pedroza Takes the Helm at SPD

Two new officers have joined the Sedona Police Department this month, marking a significant change for the local force. Elizabeth Pedroza, who began her tenure on December 22, is one of the new hires alongside Robert Joyce.

Pedroza steps into the role following the retirement of Officer Kevin Hudspeth, a dedicated member of the department for 19 years, who officially retired on December 23.

“I want to be here to serve the community,” Pedroza stated. She emphasized the importance of learning from her colleagues, hoping to strengthen the bond between the police department and the community. “It seems like the community already has a good relationship with [SPD], and I’m hoping to continue that and help them improve on that relationship,” she added.

Prior to her appointment, Pedroza served in the U.S. Air Force’s 56th Security Forces Squadron at Luke Air Force Base until June, where she excelled as a military dog handler. She graduated from the Northern Arizona Regional Training Academy on December 12, preparing her for the challenges ahead.

Reflecting on her military career, Pedroza explained her passion for the role. “When I joined the Air Force, I became a cop for them, or they call it security forces, with the primary goal of being a dog handler,” she said. Her journey began as a security patrol officer before transitioning to the K-9 program, where she found her true calling.

Originally from Blythe, California, Pedroza enlisted after graduating from Palo Verde High School in 2012. She remains active in the Air Force Reserves while embarking on her new civilian career.

“Our day-in, day-out job consists of patrolling around the base, finding different areas to search, whether it be looking for substances or looking for people that aren’t supposed to be here,” she shared in a recruiting video, revealing insights into her previous duties.

Pedroza’s family roots run deep in Blythe, where her parents became naturalized U.S. citizens after immigrating from Baja California, Mexico. With a large extended family in the area, she fondly recalls spending summer days on the river and winter adventures in the desert with her father and siblings.

In 2023, Pedroza married her wife, Alexus, and together they share an 11-year-old son named Milo. Discussing family life, she noted the challenges of balancing academy demands with home responsibilities. “Having the wife manage the house, the kiddo, the dogs, it was a lot,” she admitted.

On her days off, Pedroza enjoys family time, gym visits, and exploring new experiences. Recently, they have been indulging in holiday festivities, including a visit to Desert Farm Lights in Surprise.

Looking ahead, Pedroza aspires to work again with K-9 units, emphasizing the adaptability gained through her experiences with different dogs. “They’re going to surprise you, something’s going to come out of left field, and you’re going to have to learn a new way to go about approaching something,” she concluded, highlighting her commitment to continuous growth in her law enforcement career.