MONTE VISTA — Monte Vista voters passed the city’s One Cent Projects Fund and that is good news for the Monte Vista Police Department. Officers told those who came to the last “coffee with a cop” that they had much to celebrate. Sargent Eugene Ortega, and Officers David Pino, and Dylon Golden all came to the informal community meeting to connect with the people they protect and serve.
The new sales tax increase in addition to paving city streets, and providing funds for the Ski-Hi complex, will also provide funds to the Monte Vista Police Department to hire an additional officer, and purchase much needed equipment. Recently the Monte Vista Police Department has been understaffed with only 12 officers. Officers Ortega and Pino, who have been with the force for many years, commented that they’ve probably only been fully staffed two months out of the past nine years.
In today’s social environment, it can be hard to find someone interested in police work the officers said. There are many factors contributing to the lower number of people going into police work the officers told those listening. But the officers felt that the anti-cop sentiment created by social media has greatly contributed to the dwindling number of people interested in becoming a peace officer both locally and nationally.
The officers also reported that Halloween went smoothly this year in Monte Vista. Greatly due to the success of the Rocktober fest which was put on by the Feed Store Church at the Ski-Hi complex. The fest offered lots of free and safe fun for community members of all ages. It was well attended with around 2,000 bags of candy handed out.
Officer Pino, who in addition to his regular police duties, is also the new school resource officer for Monte Vista schools. He reported that things have been going well, and that the last few weeks have been very busy around the schools with homecoming and Halloween. They are all looking forward to a calmer end of the month with the upcoming Thanksgiving break. Pino visits all of the schools, elementary thru high school, and may start visiting Head Start. He says they are hopeful that having an officer in the schools will make a big difference for the students - especially at the middle school.
If you would like to join the coffee with cop the next meeting will be Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Rain Brews Tavern in Monte Vista from 8 - 10 a.m.

Rebecca Copley is a San Luis Valley native who covers news stories in the Monte Vista, Colorado area. She can be reached by email at [email protected]