Police and Fire Department Updates, Boards, and Appreciation
On the 15th, the Grants City Council had a meeting lasting approximately 2 and a half hours. During this meeting there were police department and fire department updates, appointments and reappointments to boards, appreciation and recognition of community service, and approvals.
Police Department The Grants Police Department was recently involved in helping to catch a fugitive from Oklahoma. Police Chief Maxine Monte says the FLOCK cameras played a vital role, as they saw the license plate, which helped them to know the general area where the fugitive was.
The fugitive was wanted for shooting a police officer in the face, fortunately, the officer did survive. “She did go home that day and thats our main concern as first responders.” Chief Monte explained “Everyday we put this badge on and we go to work and we all get home. And everybody involved in that situation as well goes home.
High criminal cases are being caught on the FLOCK cameras often, since they mostly come in from different jurisdictions, and have been able to catch a high amount of stolen motor vehicles.
The department currently has 16 officers, while is one less than being fully staffed, and they will have new cadets on the 20th of May.
“This is just the beginning. There is so much more to come. The team that we’re building is the team that we’re gonna use to keep our city the safest and cleanest.”
“Please keep up the increase in patrol. The presence in the city means so much” Councilor Garcia recalled seeing someone pulled over “None of us want to get pulled over. It makes us drive a little [safer].”
There will be a police memorial at the park on May 23rd at eight in the morning, to recognize the officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice or have dealt with either assault or battery. “I invited all the community to come.”
The GPD taught Grants Head Start staff active shooter training.
“I wanna offer [training] to any business in the City of Grants.”
Councilor Gutierrez recognized how public safety has been on the agenda for every city council meeting “The presence is huge. Its good to see that.”
“We hear a lot of good reports and a lot of good things that are happening in our police department. We appreciate you because you have [a] good vision for our police department.” Councilor Rodarte said.
Fire & Rescue
From April 1st-16th, Grants Fire and Rescue has ran 81 EMS calls, 77 different fire responses, and took 20 individuals out of Cibola General Hospital and into Albuquerque.
The fire department, as well as the Grants, Milan, and Cibola County police departments have assisted in a presentation at GHS about drivers education.
Though they are fully staffed, Chief Maes hopes to get additional fire fighters, which would be funded by the State of New Mexico, in which they will pay a percentage for the first three years.
“As long as we keep progressing, we’re just gonna keep pushing forward.”
“It seems like you’re doing training all the time.” Mayor Garcia said, recalling seeing them at a recent vehicle crash “Watching how you guys handle everything around you from the safety aspect, to the care of the family, to the training you got to keep your guys safe. I’m so excited that you guys are training all the time.”
Councilor Rodarte agrees “Our fire department is looking very good nowadays.” He talked about how this fire department has an active ambulance, assists other cities, and he hears good things about it.
The Fire Station expansion was approved for $963,164.46, which will be paid with the fire grant council and general fund reserves. This expansion is needed for the new fire truck and is expected to start within the next two months.
Mayor Garcia hopes that since the station will be expanded, which includes electricity, that the skate park would be able to get some light too, so the skaters wouldn’t have to skate in the dark.
Golf Course & Animal Care Boards
The golf course board has reappointed two members.
Lizardo Jaure is said to understand and be excited about the new direction the golf course is going into, as well as keeping good minutes.
“He has aspirations for it to be successful.” Mayor Garcia stated.
Councilor Rodarte agreed “He has a very sincere desire to see this golf course grow and see it become the jewel in the community and I appreciate that in him.”
Shirley Dickens is ready to continue what she’s been doing.
Councilor Rodarte said “I appreciate that she wants to stay serving. I think that’s a good thing.”
For the animal care service board, Elise Saavedra, a long time volunteer, has been approved to join the board. Even if she was not approved, she planned on continuing to serve at the animal care center.
Councilor George Garcia told her “You set a good example for the community.'
“We appreciate you volunteering.” Councilor Gutierrez added “It’s been a big, hot topic around here for a while. A lot of these stray animals and [shelter] animals need homes.” He went on to say how this has tugged at peoples heart strings.
“I hope we can continue working together so we can get this under control.” Dickens stated, in which the Mayor replied “You bet.”
Councilor Rodarte said “That shows us that you love your community and you [want to] see that your community is doing good. We appreciate it and thank you very much.”
Jaime Holton Appreciation
The council recognized Jaime Holton for her years of community service and helping to shape the city, letting her sit with them as they discussed what she has done and each of them recalled particular moments.
“Tonight we honor someone who’s been a true cornerstone of Grants, and that’s Jaime Holton.” Mayor Erik Garcia announced “She’s been one of the quiet hero’s behind the scenes. Smart, tough, and always looking out for what’s best in our town… She is the heartbeat of the Grants Rodeo Association.”
Even though she is retiring from planning and zoning, Mayor Garcia hugged her “Your legacy will keep blazing for years to come. We love you Jaime.”
Years ago, when Holton worked at the bank, Mayor Garcia recalled that everyone trusted her and knew their money was in good hands.
Councilwoman Beverly Michael recalled how she loved talking politics and about the history of the city with Jaime when she had the job. “Thank you for everything you’ve done and every minute you’ve given to the City of Grants.”
Councilor Rodarte agreed. Giving her a hug after saying “I appreciate her very much.”
Councilor George Garcia recalled how he and his sister would go ask her for advice. “She was the one that said if you’re gonna do it, you gotta do it right and do it legal… I always appreciate what you did.”
Councilor Gutierrez said “There’s staples in the community and anywhere you go and you are definitely one of them.” He recalled that even as a child he respected her and was glad to help her. “[She is] one of those people that no matter what, you hear her name and you just perk up and you remember [her] for the rest of your life.” He went on to say that she’s the type of daughter people want to raise “Tough as nails and sweet as gold. I truly appreciate everything you’ve done for me, for the community.” Then hugged her.
“Ms. Holten is the definition of persistence and consistency.” Mayor Garcia admitted “I always wanted her on my side.”
The City of Grants, city council, mayor, and city manager had a plaque created for her, to honor all that she has done for the community and cupcakes with cowboy hats were handed out.
Jaime, surprised and honored said “Thank you, I had no idea why I was here.”
Afterwards, she and the mayor took a picture together.
The next city council meeting will take place on April 24th.