Officer promoted, Lena retires

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MONTE VISTA—Two police officers were promoted and a four legged one retired at the Thursday, Feb. 22 meeting of the Monte Vista City Council.

Officers Michael Martinez and Heath Hart were both promoted to the rank of corporal. Martinez is also officially being designated an investigative corporal or “detective.” K-9 Officer Lena was retired and recognized for her service.

Monte Vista Chief of Police John Rosecrans administered the oath of office. “We’ve typically only had two corporals but I was given permission to promote a third. We have a different direction in mind and Michael is going to be our investigator...a true detective,” stated Rosecrans.

Rosecrans stated that Hart is always willing to help out. In an exemplary example Hart returned to the city council meeting for his promotion after having answered a call in which a bad guy was arrested. “Three days ago we had a guy that went into a residence and put a gun to a lady’s head essentially to rob her. She didn’t have anything of value so he left. We’ve been looking for him ever since,” said Hart.

“Part of what we’re really trying to work with is the collaboration between the different departments. These guys got the word out and the sheriff’s office saw him at a gas station and these guys heard it on the radio and he’s now in custody. It was a pretty major crime. We’re trying to work through these kinds of things and get them off the streets. He will be in jail for a little bit,” said Rosecrans.

Rosecrans next welcomed the guest of honor K-9 Officer Lena. “Lena’s retiring. Lena’s had quite good service here. She started with another handler and Michael decided that he was willing to take on the responsibility and the proud duty of taking on the training, care and has had some pretty substantial cases,” he said.

Martinez then offered some examples of Lena’s service. “One of my first cases was a lady that gave me a crazy story. She said that she was coming from Pueblo but I had stopped her on 285 coming from Center. That was the first deployment with her [Lena], and she found it right away. It was amazing. Ever since then just typical drug cases. She’s been good,” said Martinez.

 

“You don’t appreciate their nose until you see what they can do. They’re always right too; they might not get always get the right spot but they can tell when something is there,” said Rosecrans.

 

Lena loves her dad Investigative Corporal Martinez and will enjoy retirement in his continued ownership. Lena and Martinez were awarded certificates for their service to the community as a unit. A new K-9 officer is up and coming.


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