SANTA FE, NM: The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, State Parks Division proudly announces law enforcement cadet graduations across the state this month. The three new cadets have completed their studies and vigorous training and are ready to serve at various parks across the state. 

Kerry Rice, Park Ranger Specialist recently graduated from the Southeastern New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy in Hobbs on Friday, August 14. She is 22 years old and relocated to New Mexico from New York in August 2019 to pursue her career as a law enforcement officer. She graduated from Paul Smith’s College in upstate New York in May 2019 with a degree in Parks and Conservation Management and worked in a park environment the past five summers. She works at Bottomless Lakes State Park in Roswell.

State Park Rangers Dylan Frentzel and Xavier De La Torre graduated with special recognition on Wednesday, August 26th from the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy in Santa Fe.

Frentzel received the highest score of the class on the Law Enforcement Officer Certification Exam (LEOCE) and he is assigned to the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park in Albuquerque. Frentzel, 37, is a husband and father of two. He has been working at the Rio Grande Nature Center and Manzano Mountains State Park for over a year. Prior to becoming a Ranger, he worked as a zookeeper caring for reptiles and birds for over 12 years.

Xavier De La Torre, 29, was the Guidon bearer – a cadet chosen to carry the class pennant – and had the fastest running time of his class throughout the academy. He is a husband and father of four. De La Torre has been working at City of Rocks State Park near Deming for over a year. Prior to becoming a Ranger, he worked as a wildland firefighter and track/cross country coach for 10 years.

“As Director, I am proud of these dedicated and professional Park Rangers who will protect our cultural and natural resources and serve our visitors,” said Christy Tafoya, State Parks Director.