Deputy Police Chief Jason Wardlow-Herrera with his son Jordan Tyler Herrera during his promotion ceremony in 2014. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
After 15 years working for the Los Alamos Police Department, Deputy Police Chief Jason Wardlow-Herrera is retiring.
His final day at the department is Dec. 30.
While leaving is bittersweet; Jason said he is “super excited” to have an open schedule and do the things he wants to do.
However, retiring “is sad,” he said. “I just thought this moment would be a lot easier than it is. I’ve been there for 15 years. The department is like family. It’s kind of harder than I thought it was going to be.”
It is a bittersweet parting for the department, too, Police Chief Dino Sgambellone said.
“Everyone looks forward to retirement, but when the day comes, it can be tough when you’ve spent years working alongside folks,” Sgambellone said. “I am happy for Jason and wish him the best moving forward. He has been an incredible asset to the Department and community. Thankfully, we have great candidates that have prepared themselves to take on higher roles and more responsibility and we embrace those changes to come.”
Jason said his son motivated him to retire. Wardlow-Herrera explained that when he was in seventh grade his father retired, which is the same grade his son is currently in.
His work schedule may soon be wiped clean, but Jason said he plans to work on projects at home, spend more time with his son, help out his mother, Pennie Wardlow-Herrera, and just enjoy his free time.
Pennie said she is looking forward to seeing what her son does next.
“I couldn’t be more proud of him now that he is starting a brand new part of life,” she said.
He is a great policeman who helped everyone from people to animals, Pennie said.
“His kindness is what I appreciate the most,” she said.
Pennie said her son has been through and overcome a lot. As a child he was diagnosed with Legg-Perthes disease, which disintegrates the hip joint, but Pennie said Jason persevered and defied the odds to have an active life.
“He’s excelled so much in so many ways … he has just made it through where they said he couldn’t,” she said. “He was able to push through all that … he didn’t let that keep him back.”
His mother isn’t the only one who is proud.
Jason’s son, Jordan, told him in a text message about his upcoming retirement, “I’m glad you’re retiring, Dad, but I guess since you’re retiring it means you’re an old man. Just kidding! Love you Dad!”
Wardlow-Herrera joined the Los Alamos Police Department in 2006.
During his tenure at the Los Alamos Police Department, Jason held several positions including Field Training Officer Coordinator, Professional Standards Lieutenant, Accreditation Manager, Detention Commander, PSA Commander, Evidence Custodian and Operations Commander.
In 2008, Jason was promoted to Sergeant, in 2010 Lieutenant and in 2012 Commander. He was promoted again to Deputy Chief in 2014.
Additionally, he graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2015, which he said he considers a career highlight.
Another high point was the opportunity to serve the community, Jason added.
“Being able to work with so many amazing people – that has been a joy (as well as) helping people, the citizens, youth and the community as best as I could,” he said.