Yuma County Sheriff’s Office Command Staff

Lt. Sam Pavlak Patrol Bureau Criminal Investigations Supervisor (928) 783-4427

Lieutenant Samuel Pavlak joined the Sheriff’s Office on October 15, 2002 as a Detention Officer. During his tenure as a DO, he worked various custody levels within the Detention Center to include Maximum Security Units, Booking area, Master Control, Internal Transport, and Outer Transport.

On May 28, 2006, Pavlak was promoted to Deputy Sheriff and assigned to the Patrol Bureau. In 2008, he became a Field Training Officer where he assisted in the training and evaluation of new deputies. Through the years, he served as a member of the Crisis Management Unit, and the Special Response Team as an entry team member, breacher, assistant team leader, and finally as team leader. Lt. Pavlak has been a certified instructor in multiple fields to include Firearms, Less Lethal Munitions, Defensive Tactics, Physical Fitness, and Active Threat/Shooter.

On March 7, 2010, Pavlak was promoted to the rank of Senior Deputy where he served as a first line supervisor for both the day and afternoon shifts for the West County.

On June 10, 2012, Pavlak was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and was assigned as the Patrol Supervisor for both the East and West County. In April 2015, he was reassigned to the position of Supervisor of the Yuma County Narcotics Task Force. He served in that position until July 2019.

On July 28, 2019, Pavlak was promoted to his current rank of Lieutenant and was assigned as the East County Operations Supervisor. Lt. Pavlak also oversaw the Underwater Search & Recovery Team, and the Boating Safety & Enforcement Unit.

On January 8, 2023, Lt. Pavlak was assigned as Commander of the Investigations Bureau and Yuma County Narcotics Task Force.  In addition, Lt. Pavlak oversees the YCSO Volunteers Units, acts as the Team Commander of the Special Response Team, and both liaisons and instructs for the Arizona Western College Law Enforcement Academy.