CHRISTIAN VAN WAGONER
Salt Lake City
Summary
Dynamic law enforcement supervisor with over two decades of progressive experience in Patrol, Investigations, Specialized Units, Airport Operations, and military law enforcement. Proven leader skilled in command-level decision-making, personnel oversight, operational coordination, and critical incident management in high-risk environments. Extensive experience as a United States Marine Corps Military Police Officer, including convoy security operations, management of entry control points, force protection responsibilities, and security of federal and military installations during combat and contingency operations. Expertise includes airport law enforcement operations, public safety management, regulatory enforcement, critical infrastructure protection, and multi-agency collaboration within complex public safety and security environments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Airport Patrol Sergeant / Airport Investigations Unit Sergeant
Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD)
Salt Lake City, Utah
08.2024 - Current
- Supervised patrol teams and conducted investigations to maintain security standards at Salt Lake City International Airport.
- Managed team performance and operational workflows in high-stakes, high-visibility critical infrastructure operations.
- Engaged with federal agencies, airport stakeholders, and multi-agency law enforcement partners to streamline communication and operational efficiency.
- Conducted regular audits and assessments to maintain compliance with airport regulations, departmental policies, and state laws, ensuring public safety.
- Oversaw emergency response initiatives and provided investigative oversight to maintain operational stability.
- Implemented and enforced Salt Lake City Department of Airports rules and regulations to ensure compliance and safety.
Patrol Sergeant / Patrol Supervisor
Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD)
Salt Lake City, Utah
05.2020 - 08.2024
- Coordinated daily law enforcement operations while supervising patrol personnel to enhance community safety.
- Monitored and enforced employee accountability and discipline to maintain policy compliance and enhance workplace efficiency.
- Directed operations and coordinated team efforts as acting lieutenant and watch commander during high-stakes incidents and events.
- Managed resource allocation to ensure effective emergency response and operational continuity.
- Oversaw performance evaluations and provided mentorship to cultivate leadership skills among subordinate personnel.
- Facilitated training initiatives for new officers, focusing on operational readiness and compliance with established protocols.
Gang Unit Investigator
Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD)
Salt Lake City, Utah
08.2018 - 05.2020
Coordinated investigations focused on gang-related violent crimes to enhance community safety. Led collaborative efforts with various law enforcement agencies to strengthen investigative outcomes. Oversaw intelligence gathering during surveillance operations to facilitate effective criminal case development.
Detective – Gang Unit / Suppression Unit
Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD)
Salt Lake City, Utah
02.2017 - 08.2018
Proactive gang suppression and investigative operations targeting violent offenders and organized criminal activity.
Detective – Street Crimes Unit / Salt Lake City Narcotics Unit
Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD)
Salt Lake City, Utah
07.2014 - 02.2017
Conducted narcotics and street crimes investigations. Participated in undercover operations, surveillance activities, and confidential informant management.
Field Training Officer
Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD)
Salt Lake City, Utah
01.2012 - 01.2015
Trained, evaluated, and mentored newly hired police officers.
Patrol Officer
Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD)
Salt Lake City, Utah
07.2006 - 07.2014
Conducted patrols and provided assistance in response to service calls. Supported proactive policing efforts within designated areas. Investigated various criminal incidents to promote safety.
Education
High School Diploma -
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, Utah06-2000
College Coursework - Criminology
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, UtahCollege Coursework - Criminology
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, UtahSkills
- Effective team management
- Airport security operations
- Infrastructure security management
- Crisis response coordination
- Performance oversight
- Criminal Investigations
- Gang investigations
- Covert operations
- Public safety management
- Regulatory & Policy Enforcement
- Risk assessment and coordination
- Cross-agency collaboration
- Fair leadership practices
Certification
- California Narcotics Association — Management Track Certificate
- Northwestern University Center for Public Safety — Supervision of Police Personnel
- SLCPD Undercover Academy — Instructor Development
- Instructor Development Certificate
- 21st Century Leadership Workshop
- Employee Performance, Accountability, and Discipline Training
- E-Warrant / Search Warrant Training
- John E. Reid and Associates — Investigative Interviews and Interrogation
- Basic Narcotics Academy
- Confidential Informant Cultivation Certification
- Clandestine Laboratory Certification
- Field Training Officer School
Timeline
Airport Patrol Sergeant / Airport Investigations Unit Sergeant
Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD)
08.2024 - Current
Patrol Sergeant / Patrol Supervisor
Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD)
05.2020 - 08.2024
Gang Unit Investigator
Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD)
08.2018 - 05.2020
Detective – Gang Unit / Suppression Unit
Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD)
02.2017 - 08.2018
Detective – Street Crimes Unit / Salt Lake City Narcotics Unit
Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD)
07.2014 - 02.2017
Field Training Officer
Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD)
01.2012 - 01.2015
Patrol Officer
Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD)
07.2006 - 07.2014
College Coursework - Criminology
Salt Lake Community College
High School Diploma -
Salt Lake Community College
College Coursework - Criminology
Salt Lake Community College
PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Ethical and accountable leadership
- Strong operational decision-making abilities
- Proven performance in high-stress environments
- Commitment to professionalism and organizational excellence
- Effective communicator and team leader
- Strong mentoring and personnel development skills
- Dedicated to public trust, procedural justice, and mission success
MILITARY EXPERIENCE
- United States Marine Corps
- Military Police Officer (5811)
- March 2001 – March 2005
- Honorably discharged after achieving the rank of Sergeant (E-5).
- Completed one-year combat deployment to Ar Ramadi, Iraq.
- Graduated #1 in class from Military Police School, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
- Served as a Marksman Instructor while stationed in Okinawa, Japan.
- Served as Squad Leader conducting combat patrols and intelligence-gathering operations in Ar Ramadi and Fallujah.
- Led the Quick Reaction Team for Camp Blue Diamond, responsible for rapid response to hostile threats.
- Conducted mounted patrols and convoy security operations throughout Iraq.
- Completed Marine Combat Training and military leadership courses.