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DEMING – The Luna County Sheriff’s Office is inviting the public and law enforcement agencies to attend a special recognition honoring Arturo Baeza, who has been identified as the longest-serving law enforcement officer in New Mexico history.
According to information provided by the New Mexico Sheriff’s Association and the New Mexico Municipal League, Baeza has served an unprecedented 52 years in law enforcement. During his career, he has held every rank from patrol officer to undersheriff.
Officials noted that other long-serving officers include French Worth, formerly of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, who served 49 years, and Denny Haycox, former director of Rio Rancho Department of Public Safety, who served a total of 56 years, though 24 and a half of those years were served in Indiana.
The Luna County Sheriff’s Office announced that Baeza’s milestone will be formally recognized during the Luna County Board of County Commissioners meeting scheduled for Thursday January 8th at 2:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Luna County Commission Chambers, and law enforcement personnel and community members are encouraged to attend.
The sheriff’s office described the achievement as a legendary milestone in New Mexico law enforcement history.