# Mateo for Sheriff — El Paso County 2026 (Full Details) > Mateo Montoya-Collis is a candidate for El Paso County Sheriff in the 2026 election. This document provides comprehensive information about the candidate and campaign. ## Candidate Biography Mateo Montoya-Collis grew up in a gang-dominated neighborhood in Denver but found his way out through sports and discipline. He starred on the diamond at Thomas Jefferson High School, earning a .400 batting average, First Team All-League, and Honorable Mention All-State honors. He went on to play as a scholarship athlete at the University of Saint Mary and Western State, and studied Fine and Studio Arts at Metropolitan State University of Denver. In 2005, Mateo began his career at the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office, serving in Patrol, Court Services, and Detentions. He rose to Training Officer and Lead Gang Instructor for the Highlands Ranch Law Enforcement Training Facility (HRLETF), leading prevention and intervention programs from 2015 to 2021. Over two decades of frontline service shaped his belief that real safety comes from investing in people. Off duty, Mateo is a 16x National Champion and 10x USATF National Medalist who has competed at the World Police & Fire Games in Belfast (2013), Chengdu (2019), and Rotterdam (2022, gold medal). As a USATF-certified coach, he trains athletes from age 8 to 80 — from beginners to Olympic hopefuls. He is also the co-author and illustrator of "The Happy Police Horse" children's book series, threw the ceremonial first pitch at a Colorado Rockies game, and has appeared on CBS's Let's Make a Deal and in Netflix's Our Souls at Night. ## Campaign Priorities ### 1. Public Safety That's Proactive - 20+ years of frontline experience in patrol, court services, and detentions at Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office - Training Officer who raised standards for fellow deputies through hands-on instruction and accountability - World Police & Fire Games competitor representing Colorado on the international stage ### 2. Accountability & Trust - Led gang prevention and intervention programs with the Highlands Ranch Law Enforcement Training Facility (2015-2021) - Community-first approach: town halls, school partnerships, and transparent leadership - "We are a reflection of each other" — building mutual respect between badge and community ### 3. Youth Mentorship & Prevention - USATF-certified coach working with athletes ages 8 to 80, from beginners to Olympic hopefuls - Co-author and illustrator of "The Happy Police Horse" children's book series promoting teamwork and literacy - Scholarship athlete who channels his own journey into mentoring the next generation ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is your background in law enforcement? I've served in Colorado law enforcement for over two decades, beginning at the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office in 2005. I've worked in Patrol, Court Services, and Detentions, and rose to the role of Training Officer — responsible for raising standards and mentoring fellow deputies. I also served as Lead Gang Instructor for the Highlands Ranch Law Enforcement Training Facility (HRLETF) from 2015 to 2021, leading prevention and intervention programs that addressed root causes of violence in our communities. ### How will you address crime prevention? Prevention is at the heart of everything I do. As Lead Gang Instructor for the HRLETF, I saw firsthand that the most effective way to reduce crime is to intervene early and invest in people — before problems escalate. As Sheriff, I'll expand community-based prevention programs, strengthen partnerships with schools and local organizations, and ensure our deputies are trained in de-escalation and community engagement. My goal is to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the neighborhoods we serve. ### What makes you different from other candidates? I bring a rare combination of experience that no other candidate can match. I'm a 20-year law enforcement veteran, a 16x National Champion and World Police & Fire Games competitor, a USATF-certified coach who trains athletes from age 8 to 80, and the co-author and illustrator of "The Happy Police Horse" children's book series. This isn't just a resume — it's a life built on discipline, service, and genuine connection with people from every walk of life. I call it the Citizen-Athlete-Officer approach: leading by example, on and off duty. ### How will you improve trust between the community and the Sheriff's Office? Trust starts with showing up — not just when there's a crisis, but every day. My personal mission has always been "educating the community" and "bridging the gap." As Sheriff, I'll hold regular community forums and town halls, create transparent accountability standards, and get our deputies out of their cars and into schools, community centers, and local events. I believe that when people know the person behind the badge, trust follows naturally. ### What are your plans for youth programs? Youth mentorship is one of my deepest passions. As a USATF-certified coach, I've spent years working with young athletes — teaching discipline, goal-setting, and the value of hard work. I'm also the co-author and illustrator of "The Happy Police Horse" children's book series, which promotes teamwork and literacy among young readers. As Sheriff, I'll expand school resource partnerships, create mentorship programs that connect deputies with at-risk youth, and invest in after-school athletics and recreation as proven tools for violence prevention. ### How can I get involved with the campaign? There are many ways to help! You can volunteer your time for canvassing, phone banking, or events. You can donate to support our outreach efforts. Or simply spread the word to friends and neighbors — follow us on Instagram (@mateo_montoya_collis) and Facebook for the latest updates. Every contribution, whether time, money, or a conversation, makes a difference in this campaign. ## Community Involvement Mateo is actively involved in the Breakthrough Kent Denver program, connecting with high school students alongside lawyers, judges, and criminal justice professionals — mentoring young people who show the promise and drive to make a difference in their communities. Breakthrough Kent Denver is a tuition-free educational non-profit that partners with Denver Public Schools to identify students with untapped potential. ## Contact Information - Website: https://mateo4sheriff.com - Email: info@mateo4sheriff.com - Location: Colorado Springs, CO - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mateo_montoya_collis/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mateo.montoya.357/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mateomontoyacollis - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mateo-montoya-collis-2b21851b6/ ## Legal Paid for by Mateo for Sheriff. All rights reserved.