Mountainair is one step closer to getting a police force for the first time since 2022. Paul Lucero has successfully passed his background check and psychological evaluation and will be starting as chief of police on Nov. 1.
Mountainair Mayor Peter Nieto said in an Oct. 14 social media post, “With Paul’s arrival, we also plan to initiate the search for an additional police officer to join him in serving our town. It’s important to note that we haven’t had law enforcement in Mountainair since September 2022.”
Mountainair is still dealing with controversy surrounding its police department. Earlier this month, The Independent reported speculation about a connection between Lucero and former police chief Juan Reyes. In a Sept. 27 social media post, Nieto said, “We assure you that these rumors are not true. Paul Lucero and Juan Reyes are not related in any way, nor do they have any recollection of knowing or working with each other.”
Mountainair is not the only city in the East Mountains and Torrance county area taking steps to expand its police department by hiring new officers. The Torrance County Sheriff’s Department welcomed a newly hired deputy, Antonio Serrano, who was sworn in Oct. 16, and as of this week there are still job postings for sheriff’s deputy and 911 dispatcher on the Torrance County website. According to an Oct. 7 Facebook post, the Estancia Police Department recently welcomed newly sworn in Officer Jordan Duran.
Edgewood discussed the hiring of a deputy chief at an Oct. 22 Town Commission Meeting. The Town Commission unanimously approved a job description for the deputy chief position but emphasized that the position would be “transitory,” meaning that an officer would be promoted to deputy chief in the event that current Edgewood Police Chief Roger Jimenez were to retire. The commission said they do not plan to hire a new officer to fill the deputy chief position at this time.
Edgewood Town Manager Nina McCracken said, “My understanding is this deputy chief role would work hand in hand with the chief in the transition. In my experience, Lieutenant [David Lovato] works hand in hand with the chief quite often. If he chooses to be a chief later down the road or not, he would still be there to help any type of transition.”
The commission did not name a candidate for promotion at the Oct. 22 meeting. Edgewood currently has a posting for certified police officer on its website.
The Independent reached out to Nieto for comment but did not hear back as of press time.
