Robert Zavala

Position: District Security Coordinator

Tolleson Union High School District #21

Reserve Deputy Sheriff Cochise County Sheriff's Office

Zavala is a native of Bisbee, Arizona. He is a First Generation Mexican American, Military Veteran, and First-Generation College Graduate in his family. Zavala has over two decades of law enforcement experience and 22 years of active-duty military service in the United States Army. He served as a Military Police Officer, Military Police Investigator, and a Protective Service Agent. Mr. Zavala retired from his beloved Army as a First Sergeant.

Zavala recently retired from the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office. He served as the School Resource Officer in Naco and as a Law and Public Safety Instructor for Bisbee High School. During his tenure with Cochise County, he served as a Patrol Deputy, Physical Fitness Instructor, RADAR Instructor, A.L.I.C.E. Active Shooter Instructor, Field Training Officer (FTO), Team Leader Accident Investigations Team, Mentor Coordinator, Cochise County Domestic Violence and Fatality Review Board Liaison, Honor Guard member, Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) and Training Officer for the Aviation Unit. Before he was a Deputy, Zavala spent two years as a Police Officer for the city of Bisbee Arizona.

Zavala has served on the Executive Board of the Tempe Family YMCA and is the past Chair of the Military Affairs Committee for the City of Tempe. Zavala was recognized as the “Volunteer of the Year” for the city Tempe in 2021. He served as the Deputy Director and State Director for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) of Arizona. Zavala is a former member of the Tempe Ambassador Committee and a current member of the prestigious Tempe Diplomats. In addition, Zavala served as a member of Project C.U.R.E which provides medical supplies around the world. Zavala is also a Charter Member of the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Hispanic Advisory Panel.

Reserve Deputy Zavala is currently a sworn officer in good standing with the state of Arizona. In 2023, Zavala was recognized as the School Resource Officer (SRO) of the Year in Arizona. Prior to coming to the Tolleson Union High School District Zavala trained School Resource Officers, School Safety Officers, Counselors, Social Workers, and District Administrators in the School Safety Program while assigned at the Arizona Department of Education. Zavala is also a member of the Officer Cadre with the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education (AZFLSE). Zavala has assumed the Leadership duties as the District Security Coordinator of the Tolleson High School District as of 1 July 2025.

He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree from Wayland Baptist University and a second Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice “Cum Laude” from the University of Dubuque. Zavala is on the quest to obtain his Master of Art in Criminal Justice from Wayland Baptist University.

Bobby is married and his family resides in Maricopa AZ. He enjoys spending time with his family, interacting with the community at all levels, reading, and completing Ultra Marathons