Meet Rodney
I will get straight to the point, respecting your time with information you might need to know about me since I am running for the position of Sheriff of Valencia County. This is an overview of who I am, and some of my history.
I strongly believe it’s important that a Sheriff candidate should have training, experience, and higher education for a leadership position of this magnitude. I have all three and I will outline my qualifications for you.
Law Enforcement Career
In 1989, I attended the Federal Law Enforcement Basic Academy in Marana, Arizona. This prepared me for my first patrolman position with the Isleta Police Department.
I later received my state certification after attending the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy in Santa Fe, New Mexico. As my career evolved, I worked for Valencia County Sheriff’s Office from 1993 to 2005 and Los Lunas Police Department from 2005 to 2012 retiring from law enforcement.
During my tenure with Valencia County Sheriff’s Office, I served under the leadership of Sheriff Ortega, Sheriff Julian, and Sheriff Perea. I served as a detective, sergeant, and sniper with the Tactical Unit. I specialized in investigating crimes against children and sex crimes. I worked closely with the Child, Youth, and Family Department (CYFD).
During my tenure with Los Lunas Police Department, I served as a detective focusing on violent crimes. I also was a patrol sergeant. I became a firearms instructor, instructor for officer survival, pistol and rifle armorer, crime scene investigator, and a sniper with the Tactical Unit.
Officer Involved Shooting Experience
In 1999, while serving the residents in Valencia County, tragedy struck. I was in the process of
conducting a traffic stop resulting in me being shot several times by the armed driver. It was later determined the driver (shooter) had just murdered someone in Albuquerque just hours before I conducted the traffic stop. The sheriff’s department was unaware at that moment in time.
I was shot five times. A gunshot struck my upper leg severing my femoral artery. Miraculously, I
survived what is described as a fatal shot. Another gunshot struck my upper chest, but my ballistic vest prevented the round from penetrating. I thank God for the science of body armor.
The other three gunshots struck my right shoulder, left hand, and the right side of my face. After 1-year of determination and a relentless recovery, I returned to duty with the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office.
Education and Training
I have an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, and an Associate’s Degree in Gunsmithing. I have over 1,500 hours of training in a multitude of law enforcement subjects.
Commendations from Law Enforcement
My Family and Life After Law Enforcement
In 2015, I started a Gun Smithing Business. I was appointed Chief Judge for the Pueblo of Isleta for a two-year term. In 2020, I was elected to the Isleta Tribal Council serving as Isleta Tribal Council Secretary.
My wife, Anna, remains my steadfast partner. She worked for Valencia County Sheriff’s Department as Executive Secretary for nine years; therefore, she has an inside view of the department and a plethora of invaluable information from the business side.
Anna worked for District Court for 11 years before retiring having gained extensive knowledge of the judicial system. Anna now owns and operates her
Hair Salon business with an understanding of the needs of small business owners.
We are a member of the San Clement Catholic Church in Los Lunas where we continue to worship. We have 5 children and four grandchildren. We also took guardianship of my cousin’s 15-year-old daughter due to the sudden passing of my cousin.
