A popular slogan often used to describe Rio Rancho is “the place to live, work and play.” And Rio Rancho Police Chief Bob Boone is proud that the police department can help provide safety to that mantra.

And last Thursday the best police department in the state, according to Boone, honored its best.

“Everyone who works for Rio Rancho DPS (Department of Public Safety) does a great job each and every day,” Boone said. “They make Rio Rancho a safe place to live, work and play. This is the best department in New Mexico.”

Observer '€” Jimmy Currier Rio Rancho Police Chief Bob Boone stands between the department'€™s officer of the year Brian Thacker (left) and the department'€™s civilian employee of the year Randy Richins. The recognition ceremony took place on Feb. 12 in the Rio Rancho Municipal Court chambers.

Brian Thacker was honored as the Rio Rancho Police Officer of the Year in an award ceremony in the municipal court chambers.

“I was shocked and amazed,” Thacker said. “My family came out for this, including my dad from Iowa and even my neighbors.”

Thacker says he’s a police officer because he loves the job.

“This is a fun job for me,” Thacker said. “It’s thrilling and exciting. I get an adrenaline rush from it and I enjoy protecting the community.”

Thacker has been an officer with RRPD for 5-1/2 years. He was nominated by his sergeant, Sgt. Michael Naus, who has supervised Thacker for two years.

“Throughout this time, he (Thacker) has been instrumental in the success of my weekday graveyard team with his dedication to his department, fellow officers and the citizens he serves,” Naus wrote in his nomination letter. “Officer Thacker has been one of the best field investigators I have worked with in my 13-1/2 years with DPS. I feel confident that when he is assigned to process a scene, I will not have to direct him as to what needs to be processed.”

But, don’t just take Thacker’s sergeant’s word or his fellow police officers’ word for his outstanding service, but others who have worked with him and know him.

In December of 2007, Thacker received a letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for his performance in a robbery case, which sent the suspect to prison for life.

He received a letter of recognition for apprehending a vehicle theft suspect and for recovering the victim’s pickup truck.

Thacker received a letter of commendation from Paul Skotchdopole, who is a retired chief of police from Belen, because he was impressed with Thacker’s professionalism after being stopped for speeding.

Last September, Thacker received a letter of recognition for his achievement in solving a double stabbing that occurred at Hooters in Albuquerque.

Randy Richins was named Civilian Member of Service of the Year.

He has worked with the Sandoval County Regional Emergency Communications Center for a little more than two years as an operator. He was nominated by his supervisors Amy Gallegos and Karen Morant.

Richins volunteered to act as a liaison between the Sandoval County fire chiefs and the communications center, where he identified a lack of communication. Richins met with and routinely current information and updates from the county fire departments.

Richins also developed a lesson plan and implemented training, requiring little direction from his supervisors.

There were some guests of honor at the ceremony, including former mayor and current planning and zoning chairman Pat D’Arco, former deputy DPS chief and current city councilor for district 4 Steve Shaw and district 6 city councilor Kathy Colley, who was supported by several police officers in her election campaign of 2008.

Shaw, who served on the police force for 20 years and retired in 2006, expressed the importance of recognition and award ceremonies.

“Law enforcement too often doesn’t get the accolades when they do a job well,” Shaw said. “But, they’re the first to hear when they do something wrong. It’s a shame we don’t hear too often about the good job they are doing in keeping our community safe. Anytime we can recognize them in their efforts we need to take advantage of it.”