Alamosa chief offered Florida post

ALAMOSA — Alamosa Police Chief Duane Oakes has accepted a job offer with the police department in Sarasota, Florida, but has not yet tendered his official resignation with the City of Alamosa.

Chief Oakes told the Alamosa city council Wednesday night that he still had to meet one condition of employment with the Sarasota police force — becoming a state certified police officer in Florida — and once that is met and his employment there finalized, he would submit his official resignation to the City of Alamosa. If the position is finalized, Oakes’ last day as Alamosa police chief would be August 9.

Meanwhile, however, he and City Manager Heather Brooks have begun the process to fill his position, with Captain Ken Anderson selected to serve as interim chief while the position is advertised and filled.

“Captain Anderson will be working with me to make sure this is a smooth transition,” Oakes said.

Brooks told the council that an advertisement would be placed for the opening, and if Oakes did not leave, the ad would be pulled.

Oakes said the opportunity for the Florida position arose in June, and he submitted his application at that time, letting Brooks know of his intentions. He said the new job will place him three hours from his parents’ house, and he wants to be closer to them. “That’s what’s driving my decision,” he said.

He said he left when he was 20 and has lived away from his parents for 28 years and wants to live closer to them now.

“I see this as a great opportunity, but it also saddens me,” he said. Although he did not grow up here, he has lived here longer than his hometown. “I do consider this home,” he said. “I consider everybody friends and family, and I am going to miss everybody.”

Oakes has served in law enforcement in the San Luis Valley for more than 23 years, the past 11 years with the Alamosa Police Department and the last four years as chief.

“It’s been an honor,” Oakes said, adding, “The leadership you have is second to none. Heather is a great boss. The city council is supportive. This was a hard decision. I am sad and excited with this opportunity.”

Alamosa City Councilor David Broyles told the chief, “Thank you for what you have done. I think you have done a great job.”

Councilman Jan Vigil added, “You have taken it to the next level.” He commended the chief for his leadership, specifically recently in obtaining the LEAD grant.

Councilor Charles Griego said the chief had not only been a good chief but also a good friend. “What you have done for this community it’s going to be hard to fill your shoes,” he told him.

Mayor Pro Tem Liz Hensley, who presided over the July 18 meeting, added, “You have done a great job … Thank you for everything you have done.”

Caption: Alamosa Police Chief Duane Oakes speaks during the 11th Annual San Luis Valley Peace Officer Memorial ceremonies in May./Courier file photo by Ruth Heide