Biography
I was born and raised in Silver City, NM. After graduating from Silver High School, I attended the WNMU Police Academy and started my law enforcement career in 1985 with the Silver City Police Department. In 1990 I applied and was accepted into the 49th New Mexico State Police Academy and after graduation was assigned to Datil, NM. Later I earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Western New Mexico University and then continued with my education and earned a master’s in business administration from WNMU. I am a graduate of Northwestern University School of Staff and Command class #196. During my tenure with the New Mexico State Police, I worked several special assignments that included the State Fair, and security for the Legislative Session and was also a Hazardous Material emergency response officer and served as the Commander of the New Mexico State Police Honor Guard.
In 2006 I was promoted to Captain and assigned to Deming District 12 as the District Commander where I supervised officers and civilian staff in Deming, Lordsburg, and Silver City. As Lieutenant and Captain in District 12.
I retired from the New Mexico State Police in 2008 and took over as Chief of Police at Western New Mexico University Police Department where I presently serve.
I have served on the Board of Directors for Grant and Luna County DWI council. Served on the Silver City Little League board and served twice on the Silver Consolidated School board. I also served on the Grant County Teen Court board of directors. I also currently serve as a Commissioner on the Governor’s Organized Crime Commission.
I have been married to Emmarie Chavez for 23 years, we have six children and 12 grandchildren together. We both enjoy spending time with our family and enjoy traveling whenever the opportunity arises during our busy schedule. My lovely wife is an educator at Silver Schools. We have always called Grant County our home and truly enjoy our community, the weather, our gentle seasons, and most of all the people. We are proud to be able to serve our county in any way that would continue to make Grant County a wonderful place to call home.
2025 Committee Assignments
Term
January 2025 through December 2028 (1st Term)
Party Affiliation
District
4
Office Location
Grant County Manager's Office
1400 Highway 180 East
Silver City, NM 88061-7837
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 898
Silver City, NM 88062-0898
Business Hours
By Appointment