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Press Release

U.S. Attorney’s Office Honors 123 Officers and Citizens for Exceptional Contributions to Public Safety in New Mexico

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Mexico
Thirteenth Annual Awards Ceremony Recognizes Outstanding Efforts During 2016 to Improve the Safety and Quality of Life for New Mexicans

ALBUQUERQUE – The U.S. Attorney’s Office today honored 111 law enforcement officers, agents and investigators for their outstanding work on dozens of cases that led to the convictions of murderers, sexual predators, drug dealers, fraudsters, and other criminals during an awards ceremony in Albuquerque, N.M. Twelve private citizens and policymakers also were recognized for exceptional contributions to the Office’s public safety initiatives addressing the opioid epidemic, youth prevention and education programs, officer safety, and national security. The ceremony, held at the Vincent E. Griego Council Chambers of the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Government Center, drew a large crowd of prosecutors and staff from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, leaders of numerous federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies, and representatives from the UNM Health Sciences Center, City of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, Albuquerque Public Schools, and community organizations.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney James D. Tierney said the Office’s Thirteenth Annual Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony recognized the outstanding work performed by honorees in 2016 on a wide variety of investigations, including those involving violent crimes, narcotics trafficking, fraud and public corruption, and national security matters. It also distinguished the exceptional efforts of some of New Mexico’s most distinguished, dedicated, and deserving private citizens and policymakers. The efforts recognized during the ceremony represent only a small portion of the remarkable work performed by law enforcement and citizens on behalf of the communities.

 

“The many men and women being honored today exemplify the professionalism, dedication, and commitment to public service shown by law enforcement, private citizens, and policymakers throughout New Mexico each and every day,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tierney. “This ceremony is a way to express our appreciation to the officers and agents on the front lines of justice, as well as the private citizens and policymakers who work tirelessly to make New Mexico stronger, safer, and more just.”

 

Former U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez also was honored during the ceremony for his service as U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico from May 2014 to March 2017, as well as an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 2001 to 2014. Mr. Martinez received accolades from the leaders of numerous law enforcement agencies. Dr. Paul B. Roth, Chancellor of the UNM Health Sciences Center, honored Mr. Martinez for collaborating with him in establishing the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative, a program which seeks to protect our communities from the dangers associated with heroin and opioid painkillers and to reduce the number of opioid-related deaths in New Mexico.

 

The ceremony honored the achievements of law enforcement officers from a multitude of federal, state, local, and tribal agencies. In addition to law enforcement, the ceremony also recognized the achievements of private citizens who have improved the safety and lives of the citizens of New Mexico.

 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in New Mexico, as well as with representing the federal government in civil litigation. The District is composed of approximately 80 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and approximately 91 staff members at offices located in Albuquerque and Las Cruces. Today’s ceremony recognized work undertaken in collaboration with the Albuquerque office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. A separate ceremony in Las Cruces will recognize work undertaken in collaboration with the Las Cruces office.

Updated April 27, 2017

Topic
Community Outreach