Press Releases

Published May 3, 2026

ALDEN - The Mesa Highway Patrol has announced that it will spend over 86 million dollars to modernize it's facility on Alden Avenue, to ensure that technology is as the forefront of public service, ensuring effective and efficient processing of inmates into the Mesa Bureau Of Prisons. 

Commissioner Lewis Donaldson says that he looks forward to move the agency further into the future citing that the need for technology is even more relevant that it was 10 years ago. He says modernizing facilities will "increase the productivity of our troopers, allowing us to patrol more, without being couped up in our offices writing reports, or even processing prisons and arrestees."

Technology upgrades including automated scanning facilities, electronic finger printing operations and streamlining technologies that automatically process inmates. Other upgrades include extending the currently outdate facility to hold inmates in specialized units, as well as creating more office space for command and our patrol troopers.

Our hearts hurt as we announce the passing of one of colleagues, friends and partners. Trooper Jack Roberts Jr, was struck on Interstate 875 when he was exiting his vehicle. Trooper Roberts had served with the Mesa Highway Patrol since 2005. He was a great asset to our agency, and will be sorely missed be all who knew him from work, personally, or who was related to him. May his courage, fairness and dedication live on in all of us. 

TROOPER JACK ROBERTS JR(End Of Watch 6/27/2022)

The investigation into the crash is currently under investigation, but as of now, we have been made aware of dashcam evidence and eyewitness testimony describing the driver's use of a cellular device contributed to the crash which killed Trooper Roberts. We will continue to update the Mesa Highway Patrol staff, employees, troopers and community with updates in the investigation.

Thank You for your service Trooper Jack Roberts, and may you rest in peace.

LEWIS DONALDSON

COMMISSIONER

MESA HIGHWAY PATROL

June 15, 2022

On June 15, 2022, The Mesa Highway Patrol appointed Gregory Markel as the Mesa Highway Patrol's Deputy Commissioner. Merkel will be sworn in this morning at 10:00 AM this morning. 

Dear Residents, Citizens and Visitors,

The State Of Mesa has finally appointed me as the replacement Commissioner for Former Commissioner Hayden Hendricks who resigned following fallout after an agency involved shooting claimed the life of then-Lt. Governor Joe Haney's 22 year son, Bradley Haney. I am writing to point out some key topics which my administrative staff will be working to accomplish. The goals set here will be the pillars of which we continue to lead this great agency.

As this agency's Commissioner I, Lewis Donaldson, promise to ensure that:

1. Our Agency has the highest quality training program for its troopers, officers and employees.

2. That our citizens can have confidence in the officers, troopers and employees who work to keep you safe.

3. Citizens, property and rights are protected by our agency and to ensure that state assets are protected, in turn, lowering living costs.

4. Work FOR the people, and not AGAINST them.

5. Work WITH civil rights groups and ensure civil rights are not VIOLATED when interacting with our Troopers, Officers and Employees.

The Mesa Highway Patrol prides itself in working for the great citizens of the State of Mesa. We will continue to hold ourselves to the highest standard of service. We want our citizens to feel free to contact us and raise a concern if our agency is not performing its duties properly or if the agency is as well. We want feedback from our community and the communities we serve.

Thank You,

Lewis Donaldson

Lewis Donaldson

Commissioner, Mesa Highway Patrol