Sergeant Katsules, a native of Mountain Home, Idaho, was born on Mountain Home Air Force Base and spent his formative years in the community. A 2012 graduate of Mountain Home High School, he pursued higher education at the College of Southern Idaho, earning an Associate’s Degree in Sociology. He later continued his academic journey at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho.
In August 2018, Sgt. Katsules began his career with the Buhl Police Department, bringing a strong educational background and a commitment to public service. He graduated from the College of Southern Idaho Law Enforcement Program in May 2019, further enhancing his expertise in law enforcement. Currently, Sgt. Katsules serves as a Patrol Sergeant and K9 Handler, working closely with his highly trained K9 partner, K9 Karma. Together, they play an integral role in ensuring public safety and strengthening the department’s capabilities.
Sgt. Katsules is married and the proud father of three children. His dedication to his family, his K9 partner, and his profession exemplifies the core values of leadership, integrity, and service that define the Buhl Police Department.
Sergeant and Detective Cody Mai is a highly accomplished law enforcement professional with a diverse and distinguished career spanning military service, international security, and law enforcement leadership. A native of Burley, Idaho, Sgt. Mai graduated from Murtaugh High School in 1999. He served honorably in the United States Marine Corps from 2002 to 2006, demonstrating exemplary dedication, discipline, and leadership.
From 2007 to 2018, Sgt. Mai provided specialized personal security for U.S. State Department officials in Iraq and Afghanistan, excelling in high-risk and complex operational environments. In November 2021, he transitioned into law enforcement with the Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office, serving as a Detention Deputy and further developing his expertise in public safety.
In May 2022, Sgt. Mai joined the Buhl Police Department, where he quickly distinguished himself through his professionalism and commitment to excellence. He graduated from the Idaho State P.O.S.T. Academy, Class #205, in December 2022. In January 2023, he was appointed as the department’s Detective, a role in which he has excelled in managing complex investigations. His leadership and contributions were further recognized in November 2024, when he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He now serves as the Detective/Sergeant, overseeing investigative operations and providing leadership across the department.
Beyond his professional achievements, Sgt. Mai is a devoted family man. He is married and the proud father of two children. His unwavering dedication to his profession, leadership, and family reflects his strong values and commitment to service, making him an invaluable asset to the Buhl Police Department and the community it serves.
Lance Corporal and School Resource Officer (SRO) Haley Brown is a dedicated law enforcement professional with strong ties to the Buhl, Idaho, community. Born in Layton, Utah, and raised in Buhl, LCpl. Brown graduated from Buhl High School in 2012. She went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in K-12 Physical Education from the College of Southern Idaho and later completed a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies at Idaho State University in 2019.
LCpl. Brown began her career with the Buhl Police Department in May 2020, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to public service and community engagement. In 2024, she was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal in recognition of her leadership, professionalism, and significant contributions to the department. As the School Resource Officer, LCpl. Brown is instrumental in fostering a safe and positive environment for students and staff within the school district, building strong relationships through trust and collaboration.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, LCpl. Brown is a devoted mother to her daughter. She exemplifies the core values of service, integrity, and dedication, both in her personal life and in her role within the Buhl Police Department. Her commitment to the community she serves is a reflection of her unwavering professionalism and passion for making a difference.
Officer Sebastian Loza is a native of Buhl, Idaho. He graduated from Buhl High School in 2019 and initially pursued general studies at the College of Western Idaho. Later, he focused on earning a degree in drafting design before ultimately deciding to pursue a career in law enforcement.
In 2023, Officer Loza joined the Buhl Police Department and completed his training at the Idaho State Post Basic Academy, graduating with Class 209 in April 2024. While in the early stages of his law enforcement career, he is deeply committed to serving and giving back to the community that supported him throughout his upbringing.
Coming from a hardworking family of six, Officer Loza takes great pride in his roots. He also serves as one of the department’s bilingual officers, providing valuable translation assistance to better serve the community.
Officer Nick Rothe has been a dedicated member of the Buhl Police Department since November 2023. He holds Basic Certifications in Adult Misdemeanor Probation and as a Peace Officer from the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, underscoring his commitment to excellence and professional standards in law enforcement.
Born and raised in Southern Oregon, Officer Rothe embarked on a distinguished career in public service by enlisting in the United States Navy. From 2015 to 2019, he served as an aviation mechanic, where he honed his technical expertise and leadership skills in a demanding and fast-paced environment. After completing his military service, he relocated to Idaho in September 2020, choosing Buhl as his home.
In pursuit of further education, Officer Rothe earned an Associate Degree from Rogue Community College in Grants Pass, Oregon, in 2021. His academic achievements reflect his dedication to continuous learning and self-improvement.
Highly regarded for his approachable demeanor and professionalism, Officer Rothe is a valued member of the Buhl Police Department and a respected presence within the community. Outside of his professional responsibilities, he prioritizes family time and enjoys following Oregon Ducks and San Francisco 49ers football.
Officer Rothe’s unwavering commitment to public service and his ability to foster positive community relationships make him an integral part of the department’s mission to serve and protect with integrity and excellence.
Officer Travis Dragt was born in Visalia, California, in 1997 to Kim and Pete Dragt. Growing up in California’s cattle country, he was raised in a hardworking family, with his father working as a professional truck driver. Seeking a better quality of life, the Dragt family relocated to Idaho in 2021.
In 2024, Officer Dragt joined the City of Buhl Police Department and successfully completed the department’s rigorous Field Training Officer Program. Prior to this role, he gained valuable experience serving with the College of Southern Idaho’s Security Division, where he honed his skills in safety and community service.
Officer Dragt is deeply committed to his role as a Patrol Officer and has quickly established himself as a reliable and effective member of the department. Outside of work, he enjoys Idaho’s natural beauty, spending time with family, and his passion for trucks and the outdoors. His professionalism, dedication, and enthusiasm make him a respected asset to the City of Buhl Police Department.
Officer Audreyana Vanderwey is a dedicated and highly professional patrol officer with the Buhl Police Department, deeply committed to the safety, security, and well-being of the community she proudly serves. A lifelong resident of Idaho, Officer Vanderwey’s strong ties to the region and her passion for making a positive impact drive her unwavering dedication to public service.
Before beginning her law enforcement career, Officer Vanderwey spent a decade in business management, where she honed her skills in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and managing complex situations with composure and professionalism. Her expertise in navigating multifaceted challenges, coupled with a desire to serve in a more meaningful capacity, led her to transition from the business world to law enforcement.
Since joining the Buhl Police Department, Officer Vanderwey has leveraged her exceptional communication abilities, meticulous attention to detail, and leadership acumen to excel in her role. Her business background provides a unique perspective, enhancing her ability to build trust, engage with the community, and address concerns with empathy and efficiency.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Officer Vanderwey is a devoted wife and mother of three. In her personal time, she enjoys traveling with her family and exploring new destinations, creating cherished memories along the way.
Officer Vanderwey takes great pride in serving the city of Buhl as part of a team dedicated to fostering a safe and thriving community. Guided by her personal motto, “Safety first, community always, and a touch of customer service savvy never hurts,” she approaches her work with both professionalism and a welcoming spirit.
Whether responding to calls for service or simply providing a friendly face in the community, Officer Vanderwey is committed to building a safer, stronger Buhl for all its residents.