Public Safety

Unlike recent additions to the Los Alamos Police Department, Cpl. Miguel Maez is no stranger to law enforcement. Maez recently resigned from the Espanola Police Department to come be a police officer in the Los Alamos Police Department.

Maez said he always wanted to be police officer.

“It was a childhood dream,” he said. “I always wanted to help people and serve the public. I followed my dream, Espanola gave me the opportunity and I took full advantage of it.”

To Maez, being on the police force truly is still and always has been about helping people, and it always will be for him.

“It’s about customer service, and I believe that makes a great asset to the citizens of Los Alamos County,” he said.

Right now, like all new recruits to the LAPD, Maez is undergoing field training right now, which basically means getting to know the layout and streets of Los Alamos.

Maez said though he liked being in Española, he felt he could further develop his career if he moved to Los Alamos Police Department, even though he briefly served as Española’s police chief as the Española Police Department was undergoing changes to its command structure.

While people are finalizing plans for holiday events and travel, the American Red Cross in New Mexico has tips to help prevent accidents and emergencies.
“Following a few simple tips can help make the holiday season safe and enjoyable,” said American Red Cross in New Mexico CEO Rahim Balsara.
Holiday decorations and parties
• Place Christmas trees at least three feet away from any heat sources and exits. Water the tree daily.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets and unplug holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.
• Keep candles away from combustible materials and in a place where children and pets can’t get to them.
• Pick a designated driver when attending a party and provide non-alcoholic beverage options if hosting a party.
• Keep children and pets away from the stove; turn pot handles in; and turn off burners if leaving the kitchen.
Holiday travel
• Make sure vehicles are in good working order before holiday trips. This includes checking tire air pressure and windshield fluid, and cleaning lights and windows.
• Equip vehicles with an emergency preparedness kit with water, snacks, flashlight, first aid kit and blankets.
• Check weather and road conditions before traveling.

N.M. 502- REOPEN -Diamond Drive to Jct of Los Alamos and NM 4.  The road was shut down briefly earlier Friday morning due to severe road conditions in the area. The Main Hill is also closed, from the twin tanks. The truck route is impassable and there have been a few accidents in that area. Crews are working to clear the roads and they should hopefully be open "before too long," according to Acting Los Alamos Police Chief Randy Foster.  Further information will be updated as it becomes available.

Parents who have children attending the Canyoncito Montessori School recently got a briefing by the county’s transportation board on the results of the board’s latest traffic survey.

The board conducted the survey in response to a Nov. 2 car accident that involved an out-of-control-vehicle that ended up crashing in the school’s parking lot.

No one was injured in the one-car accident, but to many parents and school officials, the accident was just one incident in a long line of warnings that the school may need the board’s help.

Sandwiched between Rose Street and Canyon Road, school officials and parents have been complaining for years about drivers ignoring posted speed limits, as well as the fact that many drivers seem to be oblivious that there is a school operating in the area.

“Drivers using Canyon Road between 15th Street and Central Avenue are likely unaware that the Canyoncito Montessori School is located along this stretch of the road, and many travel at higher speeds,” concerned parent David Clark said through a statement he presented to the board.

During the meeting, board officials updated the parents on what the traffic survey outside the school revealed and what it means as far as their children’s future safety and welfare is concerned.