Gordon Hicks hoped to get into law enforcement in his 20s, but family obligations and other priorities got in the way.
“Life happened, and I never got a chance to,” said Hicks, who is now an auto mechanic.
Three years ago, Hicks was able to use his passion for public service when he became a trooper and second lieutenant with the New Mexico Mounted Patrol. The Mounted Patrol is an independent agency composed of volunteers who can be called to assist other local and state law enforcement agencies.
“So we get called in from the Roswell Police Department, State Police, Sheriff’s Office, throughout the entire state, and we go wherever we are needed,” he said.
Dressed in his uniform and showing off his equipment with his grandsons Emmett, 4, and Gordon, 2, Hicks was among the personnel taking part in Roswell’s National Night Out event Tuesday, Aug. 4, behind the Roswell Recreation and Aquatic Center.
The National Night Out is a campaign launched in 1984 to bring together law enforcement personnel and first responders with the larger public, according to the National Night Out website. Such community events are held across the nation, mostly on the first Tuesday in August.
Hicks has taken part in the event for the last three years and believes it is helpful in getting the message out about public safety.
“I’m building relationships with the community,” he said.
Personnel from agencies such as the Mounted Patrol, Roswell Police Department, Chaves County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico State Police and Roswell Fire Department were on scene at the Roswell event, visiting with people walking around the area.
Free pizza was provided, along with games, prizes and activities. Volunteers operated a foam machine as children jumped into the suds, roaring with laughter. Some children fired water guns at one another, while others marveled at the Roswell Police Department SWAT team’s Humvee parked in the middle of the lot or eyed the equipment affixed to officers’ belts.
Families walked between tables put out by different organizations offering everything from games to prizes to free pizza. Other children played in the Aquatic Center’s outdoor pool as music boomed from nearby loudspeakers. Cheerleaders performed, providing attendees with entertainment.
Alex Ross | Roswell Tribune
The National Night Out allowed some agencies to put on display a side that the public rarely sees. At a table manned by the New Mexico Probation and Parole Division, division employees distributed school supplies.
Paul Orosco, a supervisor for Probation and Parole, said that aside from keeping tabs on those who have violated the law, his organization also holds fundraisers and distributes needed resources to the community. He added that events, such as the National Night Out, are important to the work he does.
“It’s very important for us to help the community. I mean that’s what we are here to begin with. That’s our job,” he said.
Tables at the event were not limited to law enforcement and first responders. Businesses such as Pioneer Bank and Eastern New Mexico Medical Center were present, as were representatives with nonprofits, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern New Mexico, a program that matches children with teenage and adult mentors.
Carlos Sanchez, a program specialist with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern New Mexico, said he believes the National Night Out is a great event that gives youth something to do, something he believes is often lacking.
Sanchez added that his program also can play a role in public safety, with mentors who can be positive role models for young people and direct them away from negative influences.
News reporter Alex Ross can be reached via email at aross@elritomedia.com or on X @alexrosstweets.
