Los Alamos Police Cmdr. Preston Ballew on Wednesday in his office at the Los Alamos Police Department. He retires today, Sept. 11, after 26 years of law enforcement service. Courtesy/Chris Ross
By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
On the eve of his retirement, Los Alamos County Police Cmdr. Preston Ballew said it has been his honor to serve “this outstanding community” for nearly three decades. He retires today, Sept. 11, following a 26-year career in law enforcement.
“My service is complete. I’ve been a police officer since I was 21 years old,” Cmdr. Ballew said. “It’s been a blessing to work in a place where the chief, county manager, and fire chief have earned the trust of the community. The police department and community have formed a partnership and work together to ensure we have a safe community here. We are very blessed.”
Cmdr. Ballew also expressed his gratitude to former Chief Wayne Torpy for first hiring him in 2005.
“If not for him, I would not be in law enforcement. I am also thankful to Chief Dino Sgambellone … he is a very good person … he cares, he is methodical and patient when making decisions, and he puts a lot of faith in his command staff. He is an amazing chief, and I am proud to have worked for him.”
Cmdr. Ballew began his law enforcement career in January 1998, when he entered the police academy. After graduating as valedictorian of his class in May of that year, he joined the Carlsbad Police Department. On Oct. 10, 2005, Cmdr. Ballew began his career with the LAPD. He took on key roles as he worked his way up through the ranks: Firearms Instructor, Field Training Officer, Certified Bomb Technician, Bomb Squad Commander, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Commander over Special Operations, Commander over School Resource Officers, Accreditation Manager, Fleet Manager, Grant Manager, Oversight of Animal Shelter and Animal Control, and Oversight of All Specialty Assignments.
Cmdr. Ballew mentioned that a highlight of his law enforcement service has been his participation in the LAPD Bomb Squad. The local bomb squad is FBI-certified and members must undergo a rigorous competitive testing process before being selected for service. LAPD bomb technicians receive training and certification at the FBI’s Hazardous Devices School at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala. The LAPD Bomb Squad has jurisdictional authority to respond to all potential bombing incidents within the region, which includes Los Alamos County and Los Alamos National Laboratory. They also provide regional response capability for bombing incidents in Northern New Mexico and may assist other bomb squads throughout New Mexico, Southern Colorado, and the Four-Corners area.
“I am so proud to have worked for the Los Alamos County Police Department, which is recognized for its high standards,” Cmdr. Ballew said. “We have experienced officers from all over choosing to come and work with us here. It is amazing to be part of a team in which everyone strives for excellence. We are a close-knit family that supports one another. I will miss the officers here greatly.”
Cmdr. Ballew expressed his gratitude for living and working in such a supportive community.
“Public safety is a difficult endeavor … we see some of the most horrific things, and while receiving thanks is not why we signed up to work in this field, to have so many members of our community thank us really means a lot,” he said. “I also want to thank my family … I could not have done this job all these years without them, my wife and two sons, my mom and stepdad, and dad and aunts and uncles and grandparents … without them it would not have been possible.”
Officials Share Well Wishes
County Manager Anne Laurent: “We are so grateful for the service Cmdr. Ballew has provided our community, and for the amazing community member he is. Congratulations!”
Police Chief Dino Sgambellone: “Preston’s retirement represents a significant loss to the department and community. Preston is one of the best street cops I’ve worked with, and his management of critical incidents has been exceptional. Although I’m happy for Preston and his family, his skill set, particularly in special operations, will be hard to replace.”
Former Police Chief Wayne Torpy: “I want to fill the place with people like Sgt. Ballew!” Chief Torpy said a couple of years after hiring him 20 years ago. During a phone interview on Wednesday from Florida, Chief Torpy commended Cmdr. Ballew for the important role he has played in the modernization of the department, and said he couldn’t be prouder of him, and wished him the best in retirement.
Deputy Police Chief James Rodriguez: “It has been an honor to work with Preston over the last 20 years. While he will certainly be missed by our department, we wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement.”
Cmdr. Chris Ross: “Cmdr. Ballew has served with the Los Alamos Police Department for 20 years. In his time here, he has been instrumental in the development and growth of all the officers he has worked with. His passion and dedication to public safety are unmatched. Working with him has always been a pleasure because of his lighthearted personality and demeanor. Seeing him achieve the milestone of retirement is rewarding for him and the department. His knowledge and expertise will be missed, but the stories will remain for future years. We thank Cmdr. Ballew for his exceptional service and wish him the very best in this next chapter of life.”
Fire Chief Wendy Servey: “Congratulations to Cmdr. Ballew on his well-earned retirement, and we thank him for working hand in hand with LAFD on many incidents over the years.”
Former Fire Chief Troy Hughes: “Congratulations Cmdr. Ballew on your retirement. It was my pleasure to work alongside you for nearly 14 years in keeping Los Alamos ready to face whatever hazardous situation came along. Your kindness to me as a new Los Alamos resident 14 years ago was much appreciated, as are the many years of being a trusted partner in our Los Alamos first responders community. Your wisdom, courage, positive attitude, and reassuring smile will be missed. The best of luck in your upcoming retirement years.”
LAPS Superintendent Jennifer Guy: “On behalf of Los Alamos Public Schools, I would like to congratulate Cmdr. Ballew on his retirement! We are thankful for his years of service to our students and our community. I wish him a happy next adventure!”
Family Shares Heartfelt Messages
Wife Marisha Ballew: “Congratulations, my love, on a well-deserved retirement and a career that will never be forgotten. Thank you for answering the call and for dedicating your life to something greater than yourself. You are, and always will be, a true example of what it means to serve as a hero and an exemplary role model to our family. You have been an extraordinary police officer, leading with courage, integrity, and compassion. I couldn’t be prouder of everything you’ve accomplished and the countless lives you’ve impacted along the way. Our hero, you always will be. It’s the end of an incredible chapter and the beginning of a brand new adventure. I love you so much!”
Son Bryson Ballew: “Dad, I couldn’t be prouder of you. These last 26 years have been far from easy, but you never gave up. You were, and always will be, my hero. I love you very much! Cheers to retirement Pops!”
Son Jayden Ballew: “Congratulations, Dad! I’m so proud of everything you’ve done over the years and all the lives you’ve helped. You’ve worked so hard, and I’m happy you finally get to relax and enjoy life. You’re my hero, and I’m lucky to have you as my dad. Love you!”
Mom Rhonda and Stepdad Jeff Bradberry: “Preston we are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments in law enforcement and life!! You fulfilled your lifelong dream and fulfilled it very well!! Thank you for the service you have given for so many years! We love you so much and look forward to your next chapter!! ”
Dad Robert Ballew: “Preston, I’m so proud of everything you’ve accomplished in law enforcement over the years. You have always put your life on the line to protect others, and I couldn’t be happier for you.”
Parents-In-Law Jeff and Lydia Griego: “Congratulations on your retirement Preston! Many thanks for your courage and dedication to keeping everyone around you safe, not only in your role as a police officer and bomb tech, but also as a great family man, patriot, friend, and son-in-law. May God bless you in your well-deserved retirement years!”
Grandparents William and Pana Martinez: “Congratulations Preston! May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you with good health and a long life to enjoy many years of retirement! Love, Grandpa William and Grandma Pana.”
Cmdr. Ballew said that his immediate plans as he begins his retirement include a couple of hunting and fishing trips, adding that he loves this community and intends to continue living here.
About LAPD
The Los Alamos Police Department is Internationally Accredited through CALEA. LAPD’s vision is “For our community to be free from crime and the fear of crime.” Its mission is “to provide quality pro-active law enforcement services to our community that promote an atmosphere of safety and security for both our residents and visitors while protecting the rights and guarantees provided under the Constitution of the United States of America and the State of New Mexico.” LAPD is authorized 39 sworn officers. Patrol is authorized 20 officers, including four sergeants. The Operations Commander oversees Patrol and the Criminal Investigations Unit. Four patrol teams work 12-hour shifts: A, B, C, and D teams. Each team is at full strength with five officers, one being the sergeant. Two of these teams, A and C, are day teams. B and D teams are night teams. On duty, the officers conduct out-of-vehicle patrols each shift. Bike patrols or foot patrols allow for community interaction. Some officers also have duties on special teams.