Boots do a lot more than walk in Southeastern New Mexico. Tactical boots, steel-toe boots, western boots, and hiking boots are part of the daily scene in Carlsbad. The region is a mosaic of different types of boot-wearin’ folks who work and play in different styles of protective footwear. Not enough boots in your life? Badges also play a major role in this year’s summer edition of Focus on Carlsbad. Many professionals wear badges beyond law enforcement agents: teachers, nurses, doctors, office professionals, and more wear badges that identify them as members of a larger organization and give them access to their places of employment.

In our summer edition of Focus on Carlsbad, we are showcasing unique communities within our community who wear boots and badges for a myriad of reasons. Boot wearers and badge wearers are distinguished and dedicated community-minded folks who pool their talents to accomplish a goal or mission larger than themselves. Literally, these community members are the boots on the ground connecting individuals and making our region a better place to live. In the following pages, please enjoy the stories about Carlsbad’s very own rangers, sheriff’s office, the drug task force, and Sheriff’s Posse, as well as an iconic boot memorial in the oilfield.

Thank you to our advertisers who make the stories and content in the community magazine possible each season! And thank you, the readers, who take the time to learn a bit more about Carlsbad in each edition. Are you looking for additional stories about our region? Follow the Focus Facebook page and check out our website FocusNM Daily.

Kaity Hirst
Editorial Director