Brandon Lopez
Commercial Pilot with Military Service and Law Enforcement Background
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About
Driven commercial pilot with a background in military service and law enforcement, now focused on building a full-time aviation career. Brings proven experience in safety-critical environments that demand disciplined decision-making, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, emergency response, and strong team coordination. Recognized for maintaining composure in high-pressure situations, following strict procedures, and exercising sound judgment in dynamic conditions.
Offers a strong foundation in safety, communication, and operational reliability that translates well to a professional aviation role.
Experience
Professional Pilot Trainee - Airline Transport Professionals (ATP) Flight School - Wheeling, IL (KPWK)
(2025-04 - 2026-08)
Completed accelerated professional flight training focused on commercial aviation knowledge, flight proficiency, and safety-centered decision-making.
- Earned Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Single-Engine Land and Commercial Multi-Engine Land.
- Trained in Cessna 172S, Piper Archer III, and Piper Seminole aircraft while building cross-country, instrument, and multi-engine experience.
- Proficient with analog flight instruments as well as Garmin G1000 and G1000 NXI avionics and autopilot systems.
- Developed strong aeronautical decision-making, checklist discipline, flight planning, and risk management skills in a fast-paced training environment.
Police Officer - Waukegan Police Department - Waukegan, IL
(2022-09 - 2024-03)
- Maintained public safety in high-pressure environments by applying sound judgment, situational awareness, and established procedures.
- Responded effectively to incidents and emergencies, supporting calm, secure, and orderly operations.
- Prepared accurate reports and documentation while maintaining compliance with departmental policies and legal standards.
- Collaborated with officers, supervisors, dispatch, and emergency personnel to coordinate safe and efficient responses.
Police Officer - Great Lakes Police Department - North Chicago, IL
(2022-04 - 2022-09)
Served in a federal law enforcement role on Naval Station Great Lakes, supporting security operations in a military installation environment.
- Worked alongside federal officers and Navy Master-at-Arms personnel to maintain safety, enforce procedures, and support secure operations.
- Managed dynamic situations requiring rapid assessment, professionalism, effective communication, and dependable response under pressure.
Police Officer / Officer in Charge (OIC) / Corporal (Supervisor & Watch Commander) / Breath Operator - Tomball Police Department - Tomball, TX
(2018-11 - 2021-12)
- Served in leadership roles including Corporal (Watch Commander), providing operational oversight, supporting team performance, and helping maintain safe, effective field operations.
- Exercised sound judgment in fast-paced, safety-sensitive situations while supervising personnel, coordinating responses, and reinforcing adherence to policies and procedures.
- Performed Breath Operator duties requiring precision, accountability, and strict compliance with legal and procedural standards.
- Completed Peace Officer Field Training and specialized Breathalyzer/Intoxilyzer/Mental Heath/De-escalation training, strengthening procedural discipline, operational readiness, and compliance-focused decision-making.
- Built strong experience in emergency response, public interaction, report writing, and maintaining composure under pressure.
Sailor (SN / E-3), Active Duty - United States Navy - San Diego, CA
(2014-02 - 2017-10)
Honorably served on active duty in the United States Navy, building a strong foundation in discipline, accountability, teamwork, and mission-focused performance.
- Deployed overseas aboard USS Makin Island (LHD-8) from November 2014 to February 2015 in support of amphibious operations with the Marine Expeditionary Unit.
- Operated in safety-sensitive environments requiring strict adherence to procedures, clear communication, and dependable execution under pressure.
- Completed Navy basic military training and supported military operations with professionalism and attention to detail.
Education
Texas Peace Officer Certification - Law Enforcement - Alvin Community College (2018-01 - 2018-06)
Professional Pilot Program - Aviation - Airline Transport Professionals (ATP) Flight School (2025-04 - 2026-08)


