The University of New Mexico Police Department recently recognized two of its employees, Officer Gaspar Garcia and Dispatcher Ann Landis, as officer and civilian of the year, respectively. Garcia and Landis were each selected for their contributions to the department as well as to the UNM community.
Garcia’s accomplishments include his selection and certification as a DWI instructor and motorcycle officer. Using his skills and talents, Garcia has taken an active role in proactive crime prevention programs and has taken the initiative to train other officers in the necessary skills to identify, arrest and assist in the prosecution of DWI offenders a top priority for all law enforcement agencies in the area.
Garcia has received numerous commendations from his supervisors and from members of the UNM community throughout the year for his professionalism and willingness to assist others. Because of these accomplishments, Garcia, who joined the department in 2004, was selected as UNMPD's 2005 Officer of the Year.
Landis joined the joined the department in 1994 and is currently assigned to the night shift. In addition to regular duties, she recently led the effort to revise and update UNMPD’s dispatch policies and procedures, which require extensive research and coordination with other agencies throughout the state.
Landis also led the department's process of formalizing a Field Training Program and served as a training officer for new dispatchers at the department. Because of her continued efforts to improve the department and the service it provides the UNM community, as well as her contributions to promote the professionalism of the department, she was recognized by her peers, supervisors and the community as UNMPD's 2005 “Civilian Employee of the Year.
Garcia and Landis were recognized by UNM’s Chief of Police Kathy Guimond during a ceremony this summer.
Media Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915; e-mail: lmellas@unm.edu