Las Cruces Firefighters, Law Officers Recognized in Local Newspaper Contest

Several City of Las Cruces safety personnel have been recognized in the Las Cruces Bulletin’s “Best of the Mesilla Valley 2026” contest in the Professionals category.

The “Best of the Mesilla Valley” is an annual contest that celebrates local excellence across a variety of categories. Community members nominate businesses and individuals and then vote once per day during the designated voting period. Winners will be published on the Las Cruces Bulletin’s website once the contest concludes.

Within the Professionals category, City safety employees were recognized in several subcategories, including Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician and Law Enforcement Officer.

The following City of Las Cruces Fire Department and Police Department employees were nominated and voted into the top three, or Winner’s Circle in their respective subcategories:

EMT

• Ray Diaz – Lieutenant
• Eric Palma – Driver/Operator

Firefighter

• Josh Calzada – Station 3, Firefighter
• Cason Carter – Station 1, Driver/Operator
• Lerame Barela – Station 4, Driver/Operator

Law Enforcement Officer

• Adrian De La Garza – Traffic Investigator
• Jeremy Story – Police Chief

Winners will be announced during an awards gala on Nov. 19, 2025, at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum.