Zachary Zepeski is a dedicated law enforcement professional with extensive experience in crisis response and mental health intervention. Currently serving as a Deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), Zachary is a key member of the Community Response Team (CRT), a specialized unit focused on addressing incidents involving mental health concerns. As part of this team, he partners with a mental health clinician to respond to a wide range of calls, including individuals experiencing mental health crisis, welfare checks, and citizen assistance requests.

With a career spanning over a decade, Zachary has demonstrated a deep commitment to enhancing both law enforcement operations and community well-being. Over the past five years, he has played an integral role in the development and growth of the CRT, including the introduction of DCSO’s first Co-Response Therapy Dog, Olive. His passion for mental health advocacy has also led him to become a Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) Director and a respected instructor in Officer Survival and Officer Mindset, roles in which he shares his expertise through public speaking and training initiatives.

In May 2022, Zachary co-founded the Colorado Co-Responder Alliance (COCRA), an organization designed to unite and support Co-Responder teams across Colorado. As Vice Chair of COCRA, he works to provide valuable training, resources, and information to Co-Responder teams statewide, ensuring that they are well-equipped to serve the diverse needs of Colorado communities. His leadership and vision were further recognized in 2024 when he was appointed to the Board of the International Co-Responder Alliance, expanding his impact to a global scale.

Zachary’s career is further marked by his commitment to professional development. He holds an Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement from Red Rocks Community College and is pursuing a degree in Sociology at Metropolitan State University of Denver. His training includes multiple leadership and crisis management programs, such as the FBI LEEDA Leadership Trilogy, as well as specialized certifications in de-escalation, officer survival, and peer support.

Throughout his career, Zachary has been recognized for his leadership and dedication to public safety. He has received two Life Saving Awards and was named Academy Instructor of the Year in 2023. His communication skills, both with leadership and community members, are one of his key strengths, as he regularly presents to government officials and outside agencies with clarity and professionalism.