Pueblo Community College has appointed Lawrence Hilton as the new manager for its Southwest Law Enforcement Academy.
Before joining PCC, Hilton served for more than 20 years with the Colorado State Patrol. During his time as a state patrol trooper, he worked in leadership roles and specialized in high-level command, curriculum development and tactical instruction. He also oversaw the statewide Evidence Section and the Smuggling, Trafficking and Interdiction Section.
He graduated with an associate degree in criminal justice from Ashworth College in Georgia and is a graduate of the Northwestern College School of Police Staff and Command and the FBI Rocky Mountain Command College.
Hilton received the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Trilogy Award for his commitment to executive leadership excellence. He previously served as a governor-appointed representative on the Colorado Human Trafficking Council and as a co-chair of the Colorado State Patrol’s Youth Academy, according to a PCC news release.
Hilton said he is grateful for the opportunity to help shape the future of law enforcement in Southwest Colorado.
“I’m grateful for being given the opportunity to help shape the future of law enforcement in the southwest corner of Colorado,” Hilton said. “Having been an educator for most of my career, this position allows me to stay in touch with the profession that I committed myself to as well as watching new officers step into this world. Being able to oversee this process has always been a passion of mine.”
Hilton will step into the role previously held by Doug Parker, who retired in 2025.
Leroy Mora, department chair for PCC’s law enforcement academies, said Hilton brings knowledge and experience that will support the future success of the program.
“I’m excited to have Lawrence join the team,” Mora said. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will not only aid in the future success of Mancos LEA but also enhance the partnerships with the Southwest area law enforcement agencies.”
Lisa Molina, vice president of PCC Southwest, said Hilton spent the fall semester preparing for the position by working closely with PCC leadership and students.
“Lawrence brings exceptional experience into this role, and the timing could not be better. He spent the fall semester working closely with our Pueblo leadership and alongside Southwest students to fully understand PCC’s vision, our academy and the community it serves,” Molina said. “With his leadership, we are well positioned to move the academy forward in a way that honors our past while meeting the needs of our students and communities.”
