A New Sheriff in Town

Newly elected Sheriff Larry Diaz and Undersheriff Jeff Marez have been busy moving the Cibola County Sheriff’s Office in a new direction. “Since taking office we have been in back-toback meetings that last all day” Sheriff Diaz stated. Sheriff Diaz was sworn in early due to former Sheriff Mace resigning early to prepare for his role as the new magistrate judge.

Sheriff Diaz stated he asked Jeff Marez to join him because he shared the same vision to achieve goals for Cibola County. “Our purpose is to serve the citizens and create a better quality of life in the county,” the sheriff said. He also noted in the past two months as sheriff there have been “leaps and bounds” in implementing changes.

He went on to mention that Cibola County is strong and in a better place because of Cibola County Manager Kate Fletcher and the County Commissioners. “And we are going to support them by making Cibola County safer.”

The Sheriff and Undersheriff said one concern addressed by citizens was sheriff patrols ending at 3 am and not returning until 7 am. Sheriff Diaz said, “We went back to patrolling 24 hours a day and 7 days a week” Mental health resources, the Crime Stoppers program and Neighborhood Watch were discussed. “We found Crime Stoppers has been stagnated for the past year and a half,” Sheriff Diaz said.

“Something of great importance is working with the Grants/Cibola County School District. The GCCS director of security to perform a school shutdown exercise to test strengths and weaknesses.” This mock emergency will combine the efforts of all law enforcement in the community. “It’s about the safety of students.” Placing a wrecked car outside the high school is another idea. “Nothing gory, but a wrecked car to emphasize the dangers of reckless driving.”

Sheriff Diaz said “Shop with a cop was successful because of the smiles from the kids, but this is something we should be doing more than just once a year. We would like to interact with kids all year. Maybe a summer carnival with units and those types of things.” He also thought it was great how the department was invited to judge decorations at schools. Sheriff Diaz brought up fingerprinting for schoolchildren at the head start levels and Milan Elementary then moving to other schools.

“Another way to give back to the community is through food baskets and providing jackets and clothing to kids. Deputies are also more visible in school zones around rural communities such as Cubero and Bluewater village. Making Cibola County safe for families and children is our priority.”

When speaking about the department, the sheriff said, “This is a family working as a team. It’s not just a department, but a home. We involve the deputies because they are the backbone and need to know what is happening with the department.” Undersheriff Marez stated the deputies need to stay aware of how the department operates early in their career because one day they will advance and need the experience of how things run.

“Raises, new vehicles, new equipment, and a new complex have made a big impact on the department and morale of the deputies,” Sheriff Diaz said. Two detectives, a K9 unit, and four new deputies have been hired. “Four deputies have been hired… one Lieutenant, two certified, and one uncertified have started with the department.” A certified officer has already gone through the academy and uncertified officers carry out the same duties and must be certified within a year. They also receive more extensive training before attending the academy.

The conversation moved to the Cibola County Interagency Task Force created to keep our community safe. “This task force involves all agencies. Milan PD, Grants PD, Cibola County Sheriff’s Office, both Laguna and Acoma Pueblos, the New Mexico State Police, DEA, FBI BIA, and others. Our meetings have drawn attention.” The Sheriff also noted the sharing of intelligence among agencies will help make more arrests, especially concerning drugs and theft.

Sheriff Diaz said the first operation was successful and another I-40 operation will happen again soon.

“I-40 is a big issue and ties up deputies. So, we met with the Captain of District 6 and the NMSP Chief in Santa Fe to get a bigger NMSP presence on this corridor of I-40.” The focus is to get deputies patrolling more of their assigned districts. Deputies work 12-hour shifts and must stay in their district unless there is an emergency or a supervisor authorizes them to leave their assigned area, Sheriff Diaz said.

“We have a vast area to cover and are increasing manpower for thorough patrols and better response times.” The Sheriff talked about April Salazar creating a mounted patrol unit. “This unit will help with search and rescue and get into places vehicles cannot. It will also be something for the kids to see deputies mounted on their horses.” April Salazar is working with APD, which is the only department certified by the state, so Cibola County can also become certified.

The Cibola County Sheriff and Undersheriff have been meeting with rural communities in Cibola County. “Citizens can contact the Sheriff’s Office for a meeting. We contact citizens and business owners. More neighborhood watch is needed to strengthen patrols and make arrests.”

“A strong administration with a strong patrol and a strong detective unit is best to serve the public and that is our goal,” he stated. Sheriff Diaz made one clear point, we are here to protect and serve and be actively productive. I’m sending a message to criminals, especially drug dealers we are coming for you.”