2025 Life Saving Commendation recipients Cpl. Robert Larsen and Sgt. Samantha Terrazas with Los Alamos County Manager Anne Laurent, left, and Chief Dino Sgambellone, right. Courtesy/LAPD
2025 Officer of the Year Cpl. John Harris with Los Alamos County Manager Anne Laurent, left, and Chief Dino Sgambellone, right. Courtesy/LAPD
2025 Detective of the Year Ladislas Szabo with Chief Dino Sgambellone. Courtesy/LADP
LAPD News:
The Los Alamos Police Department (LAPD) proudly recognized outstanding personnel and community members during its Annual Awards Banquet held Feb. 28, 2026, at the Betty Ehart Senior Activity Center.
The annual ceremony honored the department’s 2025 award recipients and celebrated excellence in public safety service, professional achievement, and community partnership. Awards were presented by Police Chief Dino Sgambellone alongside Los Alamos County Manager Anne Laurent.
The event recognized sworn officers, detention personnel, professional staff, and civilian partners whose dedication and professionalism reflect the highest standards of public service.
Major Award Recipients
- Civilian of the Year
Juanita Norris and Lance Fresquez - Detention Officer of the Year
Augustus L’Esperance - Detective of the Year
Ladislas Szabo - Officer of the Year
John Harris - Supervisor of the Year
Hilario Salinas - Police Chief’s Commendation
Sheldon Simpson - Commendable Service Award
Jason Osborn
Daniel Roberts
Samantha Terrazas
Lillian Bueck
Amos Smith - Community Service Award
Cindy Garcia - Educational Achievement Awards
Peter Rogahn
Tyler Carter - Letters of Appreciation
Robert Stephens
Amos Smith
Natalee Trujillo
Samantha Terrazas
Marksmanship Awards — 2025 Qualifications
The department also recognized personnel for exceptional firearms proficiency demonstrated during annual qualifications.
- 6-Star Award
Ross — Day: 96 | Night: 100 - 4-Star Award
Weiss — Day: 100 | Night: 100 - 3-Star Award
Dezendorf — Day: 98 | Night: 96
Szabo — Day: 98 | Night: 96 - 2-Star Award
Padilla — Day: 100 | Night: 100
Osborn — Day: 98 | Night: 100
Chief — Day: 100 | Night: 96 - 1-Star Award
Archuleta — Day: 98 | Night: 96
Carter — Day: 98 | Night: 96
J. Garcia — Day: 100 | Night: 100
Irving — Day: 96 | Night: 100
Jaramillo — Day: 96 | Night: 96
Thomason — Day: 96 | Night: 100
Smith — Day: 96 | Night: 96
Chief Sgambellone praised the award recipients for their commitment to service and their contributions to community safety.
“The individuals recognized tonight represent the very best of our department and our community. Their professionalism, dedication, and integrity strengthen public trust and help ensure Los Alamos remains a safe place to live and work.”
The Annual Awards Banquet highlights the department’s continued commitment to recognizing excellence, promoting professional development, and strengthening partnerships with the community it serves.
2025 Civilian of the Year Lance Fresquez with Chief Dino Sgambellone. Courtesy/LADP
2025 Supervisor of the Year Detention Administrator Hilario Salinas, shown here with Los Alamos County Manager Anne Laurent and Chief Dino Sgambellone. Courtesy/LAPD
Deputy Chief James Rodriguez presents Chief Dino Sgambellone with a Marksmanship Award. Los Alamos County Manager Anne Laurent congratulated Chief Sgambellone on his expert marksmanship. Courtesy/LAPD
Los Alamos Police Department Command Staff from left, Cmdr. Chris Ross, Cmdr. Ben Irving, Chief Dino Sgambellone, Deputy Chief James Rogriguez, and Cmdr. Brent Hudspeth. Courtesy/LAPD