In honor of National Police Week, we’d like to take a moment to sincerely thank the local members of our police force. National Police Week, observed May 9 through May 15 this year, is a time to honor law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

Our community is extremely fortunate to have an outstanding group of professionals with the Carlsbad Police Department, serving under Chief Shane Skinner, and the Eddy County Sheriff’s Department, serving under Sheriff Cage. We also have excellent New Mexico State Police officers who are assigned to the area. Our officers also work closely with other agencies such as the District Attorney’s Office, the Eddy County Detention Center, the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force, Loving and Artesia. 

In the line of duty, our police officers have accepted an unparalleled responsibility that puts them at risk every day. They have accepted a job with difficult hours and, at times, almost impossible expectations, but they do so because they are driven to protect all of us. Earlier this year, Officer Darian Jarrott, who was well known and respected across our community, tragically lost his life during the course of his duties. 

We can never say or do enough to thank our officers, but we will continue to support efforts to make certain our officers have all of the resources and training they need to help ensure their safety while they are in the line of duty.  We are also working with the Sheriff’s Department, Carlsbad Police Department and the New Mexico State Police on a memorial tribute for the officers we have lost in the line of duty. Thank you again to all of the members of our law enforcement community.