Public Safety Administration Bachelor's Degree Program

Dr. Saitta teaches a “Counteracting Terrorism” course and a newly developed “Pandemic Preparedness” course. He initially served as a rifleman in Vietnam in 1968 -1969, and as a commissioned officer. Later he was a deputy sheriff and a federal agent. He was involved in most aspects of terrorism preparedness and response. After the September 11, 2001 terrorism attacks he came back to work, this time as a Bioterrorism Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Health, where he used his knowledge of public safety to ‘build bridges’ with public health. He retired in 2009.

In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic began, he was asked to return to the Virginia Department of Health, now as the COVID-19 Incident Commander for a regional public health district that serves a population of 376,000, located in five jurisdictions. He holds a Master’s degree from the George Washington University and a Doctorate from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Rachael Peterson, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is a senior certified human resources professional with over 25 years of experience in all areas of human resources, including, but not limited to, organizational development and design, employee engagement, HR strategy, employee and labor relations, mergers and acquisitions, total rewards, and talent acquisition. Her industry expertise includes healthcare, media, technology, insurance and retail – most of which included Fortune 50, 100 or 200 companies.

Rachael holds a Master's degree in Human Resources Management from Ottawa University and is a certified professional coach. Rachael has been recognized for her achievements in workplace culture change and positive employee engagement.

She resides in the Phoenix, Arizona area with her husband, daughter and Pomeranian.

Lonnie is a career firefighter (22 years) and a career educator (31 years). Lonnie is the Deputy Director for Emergency Management and the Emergency Manager for the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management (PPROEM), a joint Colorado Springs and El Paso County agency. The PPROEM is responsible for 750,000 citizens, over 2,000 sq. miles, 5 military bases (including the Air Force Academy, Fort Carson, and Space Force), 8 municipalities, elevations from 5,700 feet to 14,000 foot Pikes Peak. The area also includes the Olympic Training Center, and 27 fire districts and departments. Lonnie is a retired Colorado Springs FD Fire Captain and also worked two years as the Fire Chief for a metropolitan district fire department.

Lonnie is honored to be teaching at Charter Oak State College, since 2005. His passion is teaching leadership, ethics, and emergency management for our public safety professionals. He is a Professor Emeritus for the Fire Science Technology and Homeland Security Emergency Management degree programs at Pikes Peak Community College where he served as an instructor, faculty member, degree program administrator, and academic dean for over 26 years. He graduated from Colorado State University in 1981 with a B.S. from the College of Forestry and Natural Resources and worked as a park ranger and forestry technician prior to becoming a municipal firefighter. In 2004 he graduated with a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Fort Hays State University. In 2020 he attained the Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) credential from the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). Lonnie lives in Colorado Springs with his wife.

Kelly Shehan served in the United States Army as a Human Intelligence Collector, Civil Affairs Specialist and Arabic Linguist. She holds an M.F.A. Degree in Visual Arts and Theory from Azusa Pacific University, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and a B.A. in Psychology and Southeast Asian Studies with an emphasis in Thai Language from Arizona State University, as well as B.A. in Studio Art from Southern Oregon University. Kelly is a published writer and poet.