Letter To The Editor: History Teaches Us Valuable Lessons

By ANDRE J. TROTTIER
Los Alamos

Our family moved to Los Alamos in 1992. I was appointed the principal of Los Alamos Middle School (LAMS) and my wife taught at Mountain Elementary. During the second week of my employment I received a call from then Chief of Police Alan Kirk. He invited me to meet with him for lunch.

During our meeting we discussed many topics related to the schools and our community. The chief asked me if I was familiar with the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) Program being proposed by schools nationwide. Indeed, I understood the program and successfully piloted the program at my previous school. Our conversation lead to a Memorandum of Understanding with the local district. The first trained D.A.R.E officer was introduced into the LAPS system at LAMS. The present School Resource Officer (SRO) Program evolved from the D.A.R.E Program. The now 26-year-old program that placed a police officer in schools was started by then Chief Alan Kirk and plays a major part in keeping our students safe while providing students and staff with a trained professional who can promote safety and build relationships.

Just as he had the foresight to propose an SRO program, Judge Alan Kirk has a history of diligently working to promote programs in our community that underscore his commitment to connect with youth and help mitigate problems before they get unmanageable. Both the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board (JJAB) and Teen Court as well as the Community Service Program that enhances the probation system are part of Judge Kirk’s contribution to improve our community judicial system and prevent/reduce crime.

Our community is fortunate to have a man of Judge Kirk’s leadership and knowledge. For 20 plus years the judge has demonstrated he understands the public he serves and strives to introduce programs that make differences in the lives of Los Alamos County citizens.

Abraham Lincoln is credited with highlighting the important continuity of leadership when he stated “Don’t change horses in midstream” meaning don’t alter your course of action, or leader in the middle of a project. So, is it with the Municipal Court leadership, we need continuity.

Now is not the time to change our judicial leadership. Judge Alan Kirk is recognized by his contemporaries for distinguished service to the state and our community. He has a successful and innovative 20-year history with us and knows the judicial options available to deal with crime in Los Alamos County.

Learn more about our judge by visiting https://www.alankirk2018.com/meet-alan

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