The New Mexico State Police has announced the graduation of 18 new officers from the 106th Recruit Class. The ceremony will take place on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. inside the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy gymnasium, located at 4491 Cerillos Road in Santa Fe, NM.

Rigorous Training, New Responsibilities

The recruits have completed months of demanding preparation, including physical conditioning, academic instruction, scenario-based testing, and field readiness exercises. Their graduation marks the beginning of their service as sworn officers entrusted with protecting communities across New Mexico.

Graduates and Duty Station Assignments

• District 1 – Santa Fe: Kayla Chavez, Hayden DeTavis, Mateo Vargas

• District 2 – Las Vegas/Springer: Robert Arellano, Garrett Gallegos

• District 3 – Hobbs/Carlsbad: Jorge Barrera, Valentin Orozco

• District 6 – Gallup/Grants: Alejandro Grijalva, Ramiro Mendieta, Carlos Reyes

• District 7 – Española/Taos: Jackson Rodgers, Nathan Lucero

• District 8 – Ruidoso: John Cunningham

• District 9 – Clovis: Isaac Baeza

• District 12 – Silver City/Lordsburg: Ever Gomez, Jose Salazar Jr., Eunice Jimenez

• Air Support Unit: Thomas Schneider

Historical Context: A Legacy of Service

The graduation of the 106th Recruit Class continues a tradition dating back nearly a century. The New Mexico State Police was founded in 1933 to bring order to highways and rural communities during a time of rapid modernization. Since then, each recruit class has reflected both the challenges of its era and the evolving mission of the agency.

• 1930s–40s: Early classes focused on highway patrol and rural law enforcement, often working alone across vast distances.

• 1960s–70s: Recruit training expanded to include civil rights protections and responses to social unrest, reflecting national changes.

• Post-9/11 era: Classes emphasized counterterrorism readiness, interagency cooperation, and advanced technology.

• Today: Training integrates community policing, crisis intervention, and modern threats such as fentanyl trafficking and cybercrime.

Graduations are not only milestones for the recruits but also reminders of the State Police’s enduring role in safeguarding New Mexico’s communities.

“Every new class represents hope. These officers are stepping into service at a time when trust and accountability matter more than ever.” — David Mays Retired State Police Sergeant, Santa Fe

“Seeing recruits assigned to rural districts like Ruidoso and Silver City reminds us that protection isn’t just about cities — it’s about every corner of New Mexico.” — Otero County resident John Wilson

The 18 graduates will soon report to their assigned duty stations across the state, joining veteran officers in districts ranging from Santa Fe to Lordsburg. Their arrival strengthens local law enforcement presence and underscores the State Police’s commitment to both urban and rural communities.

The New Mexico State Police congratulates the graduates of the 106th Recruit Class and welcomes them into the ranks of one of the state’s most respected law enforcement agencies.