ALAMOSA — Alamosa Police Chief Ken Anderson introduced three new officers with the Alamosa Police Department to Alamosa City Council on Wednesday night. As he said in his introductory comments, they’re all recent graduates of the Police Academy offered by Trinidad State College.

Anderson is an instructor with the academy, which provides him the opportunity to meet potential recruits while they’re still in training.

The three new hires bring valuable history to the job. All come from the San Luis Valley, including one of the officers who is the son of a sheriff in the Valley and another officer who already has three years with APD as a Community Services Officer.

Two of the officers are also fluent in both English and Spanish, a major advantage, as later noted by Councilor Charlie Griego, when working in a county that is close to 50% Hispanic. Although each officer looked a little nervous stepping up to the podium to address council members, all three expressed looking forward to serving the public as part of APD.

Fabian Juarez Jr. is a native of the San Luis Valley and grew up in Alamosa. He spent three years as a Community Services Officer with APD and, according to Anderson, did a “fantastic job in that role.” He graduated from the Police Academy last May and then transferred to the Patrol Division. Juarez is fluent in both Spanish and English.

“I was born and raised in Alamosa and my family is here,” Juarez said. “I love it here. I love the PD and I love just being active and doing things to help the community out.”

Tristen Crowther was born in La Jara, raised in the Conejos County area and went to Centauri High School.

“Tristen has a little different history,” Anderson said in his introduction, “as almost his entire family is in law enforcement. I know them all and have worked with his family for quite some time as his father is the sheriff of Conejos County.”

“It’s an honor to be here,” Crowther said, “and I just want to thank all of you for the opportunity you’ve given me.”

Leonel Sarmiento is from Blanca and is married with one daughter.

“Leo also graduated from the Police Academy,” said Anderson, “and we’re happy to have that academy here. I also instructed these three individuals and we’re very honored to have them with us.”

Sarmiento also indicated he was fluent in both Spanish and English.

“I’m really proud to serve in this department and to serve this community,” Sarmiento said. “It’s always been a dream of mine to serve in one way or another.”