By Frost McGahey

Back row: Ela Johnson, Charles Hubbard, Pilar Killough, Front row: Frank Gomez, Becky SpannOn Monday, May 9, Sheriff Frank Gomez met with citizens at Arby’s to update them about what’s happening in his department. 

“How have you strengthened your unit since you were elected in 2018?” Becky Spann asked. He replied, “When I became sheriff, we had 11 deputy vacancies. We are now down to three, and I hope to fill them from the graduating class at the police academy at Western."

"Back then because of all those vacancies, our K9 unit had to do regular patrol with no drug activities. The unit was closed down, and our dog was adopted out as a pet. But now we are part of a narcotics task force and we have K9 unit and a SWAT Team.”

Gomez continued, “When Governor Grisham wanted to enact red flag laws*, I led the effort to turn our county into a Sanctuary County for the 2nd amendment, which it still is. At that time three of our Grant County Commissioners voted for it. I doubt it would pass now.” 

“Our governor also won’t help us with the illegal migrants,” he continued. “She says it’s a federal problem and not a state one. We have been calling border patrol when we can legally do so, otherwise it’s catch and release because of the New Mexico State Supreme court ruling.

Gomez is proud of a T-shirt that says: Don’t rewrite the Constitution, just re-read it. The sheriff is always willing to help with law enforcement problems. He can be contacted at 388-8840.

* Red flag laws allow a judge to order the seizure of a person’s guns if they are believed to be a danger.