Board Members

Deana Carter’s distinguished career in law enforcement began in 1983 when she became a deputy sheriff with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Over the course of 37 years, she served the community with dedication and professionalism, making a lasting impact on the department and the people she protected.

In 2014, Deana took an active role in advocating for law enforcement officers by joining the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). Her leadership and commitment were evident as she assumed the role of Secretary for the organization, a position she held for five years. During this time, she worked tirelessly to support fellow officers and help shape the direction of the lodge.

After serving as Secretary, Deana briefly took on the role of Treasurer, where she continued her work to strengthen the organization’s financial foundation. Even after her term in these positions, Deana remained dedicated to the cause, continuing to attend meetings and stay actively engaged in FOP activities before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2024, Deana’s passion for the FOP’s mission and her leadership skills led to her becoming the President of the Fraternal Order of Police Maricopa Lodge 5. In this new capacity, her primary goal is to continue to grow the organization, increase membership involvement, and ensure the FOP’s legacy of service and support to law enforcement officers and their families.

One of Deana’s greatest passions is the Lodge’s involvement in charitable efforts, particularly its support of children in need. Over the years, the Lodge has hosted numerous “Kids and Cops” events, fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the youth in the community. The Lodge has also donated quilts to various agencies for children in need, sponsored Rider Mobility to provide wheelchairs for children, and helped schoolteachers by supplying essential materials for their classrooms. Deana is particularly proud of these efforts, as they align with her personal belief in making a positive difference in the lives of children and strengthening the bonds between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

As the President of the Lodge, Deana remains committed to these values, working to ensure that the Fraternal Order of Police continues to be a pillar of support for both law enforcement officers and the community.

Steven Van Meter is a Team Adam Consultant with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. He is a retired investigator and supervisor with the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office in California. Steven supervised the Child Abuse/Sexual Assault (CASA) Unit with the Sheriff’s Office that also handled missing persons cases as well as registered sex offenders. During his tenure, the unit was awarded the California Sexual Assault Investigators Association’s Agency of the Year award.

Steven also served as a Hostage Negotiator and a Public Information Officer at the Sheriff’s Office.  In addition to his 33 years of experience with the Sheriff’s Office in California, he has since moved to Arizona where he has volunteered with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s (DARES) Search and Rescue Team. Steven was a Company Commander in the U.S. Army Reserve and a POST Certified instructor for the Modesto Police Academy in California. He has taught Administration of Justice classes at the college and high school level. Steven has a Master’s Degree in Emergency Services Administration and he is currently serving as the Vice President of the Maricopa Lodge #5 of the Fraternal Order of Police.  

Officer David Grossman first discovered his passion for law enforcement on September 11, 2001, when he was on scene during the World Trade Center attacks. Immersed in the aftermath, he dedicated over 90 hours to search and rescue operations, an experience that profoundly influenced his career path. Inspired by this experience, Officer Grossman began his law enforcement journey as a part-time peace officer with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) Auxiliary Unit. After relocating to Arizona, he continued his career with the Buckeye Police Department, joining the department at the beginning of 2009. His distinguished career with the Buckeye Police Department came to a close in April 2020, when he was medically retired after being struck by a vehicle in the line of duty, resulting in permanent injuries.

Throughout his law enforcement career, Officer Grossman held several prestigious certifications, including Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Instructor, Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus/Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (HGN/SFST) Instructor, Drug Impairment Training for Educational Professionals (DITEP) Instructor, and Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) Instructor. His role as an instructor allowed him to host and participate in over 500 schools and teach more than 1,500 lessons, significantly enhancing the skills of law enforcement and educational personnel in recognizing and managing impaired individuals. This extensive experience has played a crucial role in advancing community safety.

Additionally, Officer Grossman excelled as a collision reconstructionist, investigating serious injury and fatal collisions with remarkable precision. His expertise in this field benefited not only the Buckeye Police Department but also made him a sought-after consultant for other agencies handling high-profile cases. Notably, he introduced a monthly training program involving multiple agencies in the West Valley, which included mock crash scenes and real-life scenarios. This program was designed to enhance the proficiency of all collision investigators in the area. His outstanding contributions also led to his appointment as the first liaison with the Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Vehicular Crimes Unit.

Officer Grossman’s career is marked by numerous accolades, reflecting his bravery, skill, and dedication. These awards include the Medal of Valor and the Heroism Award, both received for his involvement in an active shooter incident, the Life Saving Medal, Officer of the Year, and multiple Unit Citations. In addition to these honors, Officer Grossman received several awards from other organizations, including multiple DUI Officer of the Year awards, the first Lifetime Achievement Award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in Arizona, the DRE Instructor of the Year Award, and the Impairment Course Manager of the Year Award, which was given by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. He also volunteered with MADD as a Victim Impact Panel Coordinator, establishing the first panel in the West Valley of Phoenix and serving in this role for approximately four years. Each award and recognition underscores his unwavering commitment to protecting and serving his community.

Officer David Grossman was the Buckeye Police Department's subject matter expert on impairment and collision reconstruction, playing a crucial role in enhancing road safety and developing effective strategies to combat impaired driving. Additionally, he served as the grant writer for the Traffic Unit, successfully writing grants for equipment in excess of $1 million, which included vehicles, equipment, software, and funding for special task forces. Now that Officer Grossman is retired, he continues to support law enforcement as the treasurer for the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Maricopa Lodge 5, in the West Valley of Arizona. His extensive knowledge, bravery, and steadfast dedication make him an invaluable asset to the FOP Lodge 5 and a respected leader among his peers and lodge members.

I began my law enforcement career with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office in February 2014, starting as a Detention Officer. My initial assignment took me to the 4th Avenue Jail, where I worked in a fast-paced, high-stress environment, managing inmates and ensuring the safety and security of the facility. During my time at 4th Avenue, I also had the opportunity to serve in a variety of capacities, including Inmate Medical Services and Lower Buckeye Jail. These assignments provided me with invaluable experience in dealing with diverse inmate populations, including those requiring medical attention, and in managing critical situations with professionalism and composure.

In addition to my detention duties, I worked in the Pre-Employment Services Division as a Background Investigator. This role allowed me to contribute to the Sheriff's Office in a different way, by conducting thorough background investigations on potential candidates for law enforcement positions. It gave me an in-depth understanding of the recruitment process and reinforced the importance of integrity and transparency in law enforcement.

As my passion for law enforcement grew, I knew I wanted to take the next step in my career. In December 2020, I was accepted into the Maricopa County Law Enforcement Training Academy (Class 151). The academy was a transformative experience, pushing me both physically and mentally, and it solidified my commitment to public service. I graduated in May 2021 as a Deputy Sheriff, ready to take on the challenges of patrol duty.

Upon graduation, I was assigned to the District III Patrol Division, where I quickly immersed myself in the dynamic and unpredictable nature of patrol work. As a Deputy Sheriff, I responded to calls ranging from routine traffic stops to high-priority emergency situations, all while building trust and rapport within the community. It was during this time that I learned the true value of community policing and the critical role deputies play in keeping neighborhoods safe.

In July 2023, I was appointed as the District III Community Outreach Liaison. This position marked a significant shift in my career, as it allowed me to step into a role focused on building relationships with the community. In this capacity, I was responsible for overseeing community outreach operations in District III, which involved coordinating neighborhood meetings, safety workshops, and public education initiatives. My goal was to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the residents we serve, fostering a collaborative approach to crime prevention and community well-being. It was a rewarding experience that gave me the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of those in our community.

Most recently, in July 2024, I transitioned to the Enforcement Support Division, where I now serve as the Sheriff’s Posse Coordinator. In this capacity, I oversee a dedicated team of volunteers who support various law enforcement operations, from special events to search and rescue missions. My role requires not only leadership and organizational skills but also the ability to cultivate a spirit of teamwork and camaraderie among the posse members. It’s a fulfilling position that allows me to contribute to the Sheriff's Office in a way that extends beyond traditional law enforcement duties.

Throughout my career, I have been committed to professionalism, continuous learning, and service to the community. Each step of my journey with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has shaped me into the deputy I am today, and I look forward to the many opportunities ahead to make a positive impact in law enforcement and in the lives of the people we serve.