Meet the Board Members
Heidi Straif
MVP Liaison
Lt. Joshua Stark
Metro Liaison
Maurice Frazier
CLV Marshals Officer Liaison
Sgt. Sarkis Jopalian
CLV Marshals Officer Liaison
Las Vegas Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association
MVP Liaison
Metro Liaison
CLV Marshals Officer Liaison
CLV Marshals Officer Liaison
Laurie Buchman, from Detroit, earned a BA and MAT in education
from Oakland University in Rochester, MI. She retired from City of
Oak Park Department of Recreation and West Bloomfield School
District both located just north of Detroit.
She was an elected West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation
Commissioner from 1984-2002. Laurie served on the City of Las
Vegas Recreation Advisory Board for 8 years. She was the first
woman President 2018 – 2020 to the Las Vegas Senior Softball
Association (LVSSA) Board of Directors.
Laurie is an avid senior softball player on the Las Vegas Neons
Woman’s 75s tournament team. She was inducted into the
LVSSA Hall Of Fame in 2018.
She is honored and humbled to serve our community as President
of the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association since July
2017. Laurie has authored more than 60 articles featuring the
CPAAA in the MVP All Points Bulletin.
On January 13, 2026, Mayor Shelley Berkley presented Laurie with
a Proclamation for her dedication to the CPAAA and volunteerism
service to our community and named the date as Laurie Buchman
Day. Many LVMPD officers and CPAAA members attended.
Laurie spends free time as a Metro Volunteer. With her husband
Dave, she has lived in LV since 2002, sharing their home with Ellie
cat. “We have wonderful friends and enjoy life here.”
Renn was born in North Dakota. She grew up in Boise, ID and Anaheim, CA. While attending high school and college, Renn worked at Disneyland.
Renn was an officer manager for a hydraulic attachment manufacturer. Later, she was the office manager for a spring manufacturing company.
One of the joys of Renn’s life was volunteering as a museum docent at the Sam Maloof Historic Home in Rancho Cucamonga. Through the years, Renn was able to go through the house with Sam leading her tour and sitting around the picnic area with him. It was sheer delight sitting in his chairs through the years. And telling her visitors about the artist’s work displayed throughout the house with whom Sam had traded his furniture for.
Renn’s passions are playing softball, reading and spending time with her fur babies. Renn served on the board of the Las Vegas Senior Softball Assn. for five years; one year as vice president and two as president.
Renn graduated the CPA class in November 2024. She worked on the Annual Holiday Party for 2024 and anticipates working on many more.
Donna was born in Oaks, Pennsylvania. Upon graduating High School, she joined the US Air Force for a long fulfilling career. After spending 22 years serving her country all over the world as a Munitions Maintenance/Logistics Director, she retired in 2000 as a Senior Master Sergeant. Her retirement brought her to Las Vegas where she began her second career in healthcare.
After working for Southwest Medical Associates, Healthcare Partners of Nevada, P3 HealthCare, and finally Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield as a Finance Director, Donna decided to wrap up her 20-year healthcare career and retire.
Donna got involved with CPAAA upon graduating the CPA class in 2009 when Janet Delaney told her all about the exciting things the organization did to help Metro and our community. Beginning as a Sales Associate to Janet Delaney as a Director At-Large, Donna went on to run the CPAAA Store once elected as a Board Director in February 2019. She actively worked to widen the selection of logo items offered so our members can proudly display their support for our organization. In 2019, Donna also volunteered to be the Chairperson to the CPAAA’s annual holiday party, which through auctions, raffles, and donations generates the highest amount of funds raised each year.
When not actively involved with CPAAA, Donna enjoys spending time with her husband Joey, her dog Stella, and her friends. She loves to travel abroad exploring new places and also plans to expand her involvement with volunteering opportunities.
In 2015, I was a part of the MVP team and a CPA graduate before being hired full time as a Crime Prevention Specialist, and I truly enjoyed every minute of it. I never dreamed that I would one day have the privilege to become the Program Coordinator and Liaison to the CPAAA. It’s an absolute honor to be given this opportunity to work alongside such a great group of dedicated people.
I was born and raised in Southern CA, in the San Fernando Valley area and spent more than 15 years working for Universal Studios Hollywood. I also volunteered for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Pet Orphans of Southern CA. I would often visit Las Vegas with my parents and then once I was old enough, I would come here a few times a year to see a show or a concert, never thinking I might one day live here. Oh, how this city has grown!
I have lived in Las Vegas for 15 years and prior to working for LVMPD, I worked for Wynn Resorts for 5 years as a Uniform Operations Supervisor. While working at Wynn Resorts, I also got to work on the movie Paul Blart Mall Cop II, which was almost completely filmed in and around the property. That was a lot of fun to do!
I have spent the last 9 ½ years as a Crime Prevention Specialist, first at Southeast Area Command and then the last 5 years at Northwest Area Command. It has been a honor to serve these communities and help keep them safe.
I am really looking forward to meeting you all and getting to know you better.
My name is Maurice Frazier, and I am originally from Richmond, Virginia.
I served in the United States Navy in 2005 with one Iraqi Campaign Tour transporting the United States Marines. I got into the construction field after the military as a welder for the Newport News Shipyard building aircraft carriers. My wife and I relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2019, and I joined the Iron Workers Union, building the stadium and casinos throughout the valley.
In 2022, I joined the City of Las Vegas as a Deputy Marshal, where I now serve my community.
My hobbies are bodybuilding, writing, and motivating young men to be better for their families and community.
I’m Sarkis Jopalian. I am currently the Sergeant overseeing the Problem-Oriented Policing Division with the City of Las Vegas Deputy Marshal. I have worked in law enforcement for 16 years, all in the state of Nevada. During that time, I served as a correctional officer with the Nevada Department of Corrections, a correctional
officer at the Las Vegas City Jail, and a Deputy Marshal on patrol.
I’ve been married for 10 years and have two wonderful daughters. My oldest is a freshman at the University of Southern California—Go Trojans!—and my youngest competes in gymnastics and is in the third grade. My amazing wife is a realtor and dedicates her time to volunteering at our youngest daughter’s school.
We also have two dogs: Athena, a German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix, and Kaos, a purebred Malinois. In my spare time, I enjoy running and outdoor activities.
Eric is a dedicated professional with a diverse background in public safety, investigations and risk advisory, political campaign management and fundraising, and community outreach.
In addition to serving as a director of the Las Vegas Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, following his graduation from the City of Las Vegas Citizens’ Police Academy, Eric was appointed to the City of Las Vegas, Department of Public Safety, Chief’s Advisory Board.
In this role, Eric helps formulate strategies that strengthen community policing, enhance public awareness, and provides valuable feedback toward the development of the department’s policies and strategic plan.
Eric works as an associate in the Investigations, Diligence, and Compliance division of a risk advisory firm, where he manages complex investigative and risk management cases for major financial institutions and S&P 500 clients.
Previously, Eric played a key role in digital strategy and fundraising for the New York State Attorney General. As Digital Director and Deputy Finance Associate, he successfully contributed to raising over $11 million in campaign funds and assisted with managing donor compliance and communications.
Eric began his career as a Deputy Research Analyst at a plaintiff trial lawyers association, where he produced in-depth reports on civil justice issues crucial to medical malpractice and personal injury attorneys while also fostering key relationships for fundraising and lobbying efforts with legislators and the judiciary.
Additionally, Eric has been actively involved in volunteering within the Las Vegas community, including roles at animal sanctuaries and welfare groups, as well as military support organizations.
Karen graduated from the CPA class of 01-2022. She joined CPAAA about the same time she started in LMVPD in 05-2022. When Karen was asked to serve on the Christmas fundraiser committee (CPAAA) in 2023/2024; she jumped at the chance to learn more about the organization.
Karen also started a volunteer/permanent position at Metro Headquarters in 2023-present.
Karen enjoys free time with her son, Travis here in Las Vegas, and his extended family.
BC Chaplain Karen looks forward to serving on the “Board” at CPAAA, and reminds everyone she is always here for you too!
Her recognition’s include:
* Licensed, ordained, Board Certified Chaplain, Lead Chaplain at Centennial Hills Hospital, Past President of Hope Chaplains
* Co-author of the book, “Love Is” (Memoirs from Las Vegas Chaplains), and the “Governor’s Award” from Nevada Volunteers for her time at the hospitals.
* Trauma Intervention Program (T.I.P.) and several community church programs prepared her for the many hours she would spend with people in need or crisis. Karen attended Indiana State University with a major in Art, minor in Social Work.
* She started with Delta Air Lines as a Ticket Agent graduating into In-Flight Service, and became an International In-flight Service Coordinator. She also instructed on-board leadership at Delta, ending her 34-year career after the 9/11 events.
* In retirement, Karen opened a home and décor shop, “Karen’s Kreations” in NW Las Vegas. The store front closed in 2009 but is still doing some business under that name.
I was born and raised in Tijuana, Mexico. I studied at the University of Tijuan[aC i(tCe UyoTur) .s Io ugrrcaed huearete.]d with a degree in Psychology, contributing greatly to the community and addressing needs such as symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, among others, by voluntarily helping children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly.
I worked for CRIT, Baja California – Teleton Foundation, Tijuana, Mexico, where I raised a large amount of money to benefit people with disabilities, cancer, and autism. I moved to Las Vegas to pursue my dreams and help the community. I am currently working for a foundation in Las Vegas where we provide support to many children with free health, nutrition, and education programs, benefiting many families.
I graduated from the Hispanic Civil Academy in April 2024 prepared to be leaders. I
learned more about what the police do in our community and how to help many people in difficult situations, and learned more about Nevada laws. I joined the CPAAA May 2024.
I am a wife and mother to a Golden Retriever, Mila. We love taking Mila to the park for walks. My husband, Samuel, and I enjoy going to the gym, going to the lake, hiking, going to the movies, among other activities. The most important thing for me is my family. My hobby is baking. Everything I have achieved would not be possible without the support, effort, and great example of my mother and husband.
Stephanie proudly serves on the board of the Las Vegas Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni Association, fostering strong relationships between the community, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the Las Vegas City Marshals.
She is a Deputy Attorney General with the Nevada Office of the Attorney General, where she plays a critical role in upholding state laws by representing and providing legal counsel to Nevada state agencies. Her work directly supports the enforcement of Nevada’s laws and the preservation of justice and public trust across the state.
Stephanie has a strong background in mass tort law and class action litigation and is known for her meticulous casework and deep commitment to her clients. Her career reflects a consistent dedication to protecting communities and advocating for the vulnerable. Previously, Stephanie served as an Assistant District Attorney in New York City, where she honed her courtroom advocacy skills and developed a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system. She also worked at a prominent civil law firm representing educational institutions and corporations, where she gained valuable experience navigating complex regulatory and litigation challenges.
She currently serves as an ABA Delegate for the Nevada State Bar Young Lawyers Division, representing the state on a national platform and helping shape the future of the legal profession through policy, advocacy, and mentorship. In addition, Stephanie is an adjunct professor at a local college, where she teaches criminal law and inspires aspiring legal professionals. Her civic involvement includes serving on the Clark County Law Library Board of Trustees, where she helps ensure community access to legal resources, and the City of Las Vegas Department of Public Safety Chief’s Advisory Board, contributing to policy discussions on public safety and community policing.
Coming from a long line of law enforcement professionals, Stephanie is proud to continue her family’s legacy of public service. She is also a passionate advocate for animal rights and volunteers with both military support and animal welfare organizations. Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Stephanie enjoys traveling with her husband and two dogs and engaging with the performing arts.
