CONEJOS COUNTY — Actions taken by two deputies with the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office demonstrating an exemplary devotion to duty were recognized on Thursday when Conejos County Sheriff Garth Crowther presented awards to Sgt. Servando Moreno and Deputy Melinda Salazar during a meeting of the Conejos County Commissioners.

In regard to Salazar, 12^th Judicial District Attorney Anne Kelly presented her with a “Certificate of Achievement” in honor of her dedication to keeping the citizens of Conejos County safe and her role in the Alejandro Sandoval case, accused of felonious offenses against a female victim.

As DA Kelly told the Valley Courier, she had written an email to Sheriff Crowther making him aware of Salazar’s role in the investigation, the contents of which she shared in a statement.

“The victim was initially not willing to speak to law enforcement,” Kelly says. “She was unsure if she even wanted to say anything about what happened. But because of Deputy Salazar and her way with the victim, she opened up to the deputy and we were able to proceed with prosecution.”

Earlier this week, Sandoval was scheduled to go to trial with jury selection in progress. But, according to Kelly, upon learning that the victim was going to testify, Sandoval suddenly agreed to plead guilty to a charge of kidnapping with a recommendation for a sentence ranging from 20 to 30 years in prison. Sentencing in that case is anticipated in about 60 days.

Sgt. Moreno, the second Conejos County deputy to be honored, was presented with a Lifesaving Award for heroic actions best described in a letter sent to Sheriff Crowther from the undersheriff.

On Oct. 29, the letter reads, Conejos County Sheriff’s Office received notification of a distress signal coming from a SPOT Device four miles west of Platoro Reservoir. John Hubbard, a 41-year-old hunter from Texas, had been in the area when he was struck by a severe case of altitude sickness.

A snowstorm had developed in the high country, causing poor visibility and periods of heavy snow that prevented Flight For life from being able to assist in the recovery.

By this time, Hubbard was disoriented, starting to disrobe, and walking further into the wilderness area away from help.

Sgt. Moreno, who was the first to respond, was well ahead of the other responders and was coordinating ambulance personnel as he drove toward the area.   

When he arrived at the trail head, Moreno did not hesitate and started walking toward Hubbard, who was nearly two miles into the wilderness, disoriented and barely able to walk.

Upon reaching Hubbard and the others in his hunting group, Moreno began an organized evacuation plan. Using his own physical strength, his military training and the strength of the hunting party, Moreno was able to get Hubbard back to the trail head and into an ambulance that was waiting to take him to a medical facility. 

“Sgt. Moreno’s skills and leadership resulted in a quick and decisive plan that saved the life of a fellow human being who was in desperate need of assistance,” Undersheriff Crowther wrote. “Mr. Hubbard is back home and doing well with his family and friends, due to the selfless act of courage demonstrated by Seargent Servando Moreno.”

CC Sheriff Crowther said he was honored to recognize both deputies for their commitment to their job and the safety of others.