Term: January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2026 (1st Term)
Party Affiliation: Democrat
My name is Raul D. Villanueva. I was elected as Grant County Sheriff in November 2022 and I took office on January 1, 2023. I have previously served as sheriff, for about ten years, until I retired in December 2018. As I was elected for two consecutive terms, state law required that I sit out one election cycle. That cycle has passed so I have returned to carry on my life-long dedication to serving the public.
I have spent nearly three decades working in law enforcement. I began my career in law enforcement in Hurley, NM in 1990. I then worked for the Silver City Police Department for two years, until I achieved my goal of working for the Grant County Sheriff's Department. Between 1995 and 2008 I worked as a deputy sheriff, a corporal and a sergeant for the county. Then, in 2009 I was asked by the County Commission to take on the sheriff's role as our sheriff left office mid-term. There were higher ranking officers than me, but the county trusted my judgment and work ethic. After that appointment, I ran for office twice and was elected each time by the citizens of Grant County to be their sheriff.
My initial law enforcement training was completed at the Western New Mexico Police Academy, here in Silver City. Throughout the years I completed many specialized training courses, some of which included: Critical Incident Management, SWAT Training, Gang and Drug Interdiction, Advanced Accident Investigation, Desert Snow Interdiction, Instructor Development, Defensive Driver Instructor, Criminal Investigations. Once I became a supervisor and then sheriff, I completed additional training course for those roles. Here are some examples: Leadership, First line supervisor, Budget and Management, Supervision and Management, Advanced Media and Public Relations, and Human Resources
Throughout the years I have discovered that there is more to being sheriff than simply having time in office or the completion of training courses. I believe that a sheriff should not only be a successful and experienced law enforcement officer, but he or she should be a community leader, a leader who works for the betterment of the county. The sheriff should work with local businesses, he should establish relationships with community agencies, and he should actively be involved with activities that affect our children. I was that leader and I plan to be that leader once again. I have always had an open-door policy, so if you would like to speak with me, please stop by or call my office and ask for me.
Raul D. Villanueva