COMMUNITY

Law enforcement officers honored by CYFD for work with children

Jacqueline Devine
Alamogordo Daily News
The New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) recognized law enforcement officers Tuesday at the CYFD Department, 2200 Indian Wells Road, in their efforts of protecting and serving children. From left to right, CYFD County Office Manager for both Lincoln and Otero counties Larry Wisecup, Holloman Air Force Base Security Forces officer Julian Benjamin, Alamogordo Police Department officer John Goepfert, Otero County Sheriff’s Office deputy Sam Montoya and Tularosa Police Department officer Lawrence O’Connor.

ALAMOGORDO – For the fourth year in a row, the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) recognized law enforcement officers from different agencies throughout Otero and Lincoln counties for their efforts in protecting and serving children Tuesday at the CYFD offices, 2200 Indian Wells Road.

Tularosa Police Department officer Lawrence O’Connor, Alamogordo Police Department officer John Goepfert, Holloman Air Force Base Security Forces officer Julian Benjamin, Otero County Sheriff’s Office deputy Matt Mirabal and Otero County Sheriff’s Office deputy Sam Montoya were all recognized by CYFD for their work with children.

During the awards ceremony CYFD County Office Manager for both Lincoln and Otero counties Larry Wisecup read statements from the different agencies and CYFD staff praising their officers for their work.

Wisecup thanked all the law enforcement officers for their service and their work with CYFD.

Holloman Air Force Base Security Forces officer Julian Benjamin, left, accepts an award from CYFD County Office Manager for both Lincoln and Otero counties Larry Wisecup, right, Tuesday for his his efforts in serving children in Otero County.

“I really appreciate the collaboration that they do with us. We can do a lot more for families working together than we can separately and they’re a big help to our workers,” Wisecup said. “We think it’s important to recognize the officers that go above and beyond, and really put themselves out there with families so they can set the example and see the good that they’re doing in the community.”

Wisecup said officers are nominated by CYFD staff in both Otero and Lincoln counties.

“They’re selected by our staff who work with them on our investigations and on call situations and any other capacity that we work with them on,” Wisecup said. “We have our staff submit nominations and the reasons why those officers have done exceptional work over the past year. From the list of nominees we put them out to a vote among our staff so they can select those that have risen above in Otero and Lincoln counties.”

According to CYFD staff members, O’Connor is great at speaking with children and has gone out of his way to help children in need by purchasing baby formula out of his own pocket.

“He is very knowledgeable about Tularosa citizens. He knows everyone and always has great information to provide. He is always willing to assist in investigations,” Wisecup stated. “He is great speaking with children and has a great way of making children laugh. I have seen several kids happy to see him and run up and hug him when we go out on investigations.”

CYFD officials said Goepfert always has a positive attitude when working with CYFD and goes above and beyond for the people he serves.

“Officer Goepfert is always willing to work collaboratively in working investigations and contacts us to ensure that we complete the interviews and home visits together when he is assigned cases,” Wisecup said. “He is always professional, courteous and respectful to everyone we come in contact with as well as with our workers. He also cares about the children in the community and wants to ensure that children are safe. He engages in conversations with the children and helps them feel at ease.”

CYFD staff members said Benjamin is also professional and courteous and said they always look forward to working with him.

“Officer Benjamin is professional and courteous, he is always willing to collaborate on cases with workers and also engages with the families and is vested in working with the families to address their issues with their homes,” Wisecup said.

Otero County Sheriff’s Office deputy Sam Montoya and Alamogordo Police Department officer John Goepfert were both honored by the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) Tuesday for their work with children and families in need.

CYFD chose to honor two Otero County Sheriff’s Office deputies for their exceptional work over the past year in working with children in the community.

CYFD staff members said Mirabal is easy-going and goes out of his way to assist families by purchasing items on his own dime.

Mirabal was unable to attend the ceremony.

“Deputy Mirabal is professional and courteous, he is easy-going and is willing to assist in investigations when needed, and goes above and beyond helping families and has offered to assist families in buying cleaning supplies out of his own pocket,” Wisecup said. “He has always been a great help with CYFD intakes and is very professional and respectful with the families.”

On Montoya, CYFD staff members said Montoya comes to work on his days off and is always willing to help out.

“In Chaparral he is always willing to help out. He has come in on his days off to do follow ups with our agency. He is the only detective at this time and makes our cases with children victims a priority,” Wisecup stated. “Sam is an outstanding detective. He makes sure that investigations are done thoroughly and complete and follows through on investigations after they’re closed.”

CYFD also honored law enforcement officers from the Ruidoso Downs Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Ruidoso Downs Police Department officer Chad Scroggins and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies Manfredi and Evans were unable to attend the ceremony due to prior commitments.