Wednesday, November 3, 2004

New State Police officer, new bike here

Audry Olmsted El Defensor Chieftain Reporter

AOLMSTED The New Mexico State Police have a new officer in Socorro, but you won't see him driving around in a patrol car.

Sgt. Robert McDonald started work this week with the Socorro State Police substation, taking the place of Sgt. Wes La Cuesta, who transferred to Santa Fe to be closer to his family.

"I'm looking forward to getting to know Socorro well because I plan on being here for awhile," McDonald said.

McDonald will also be the only State Police officer in Socorro who will be riding an 1150 BMW motorcycle as part of the State Police motor team.

There are currently 16 motorcycles being used by State Police. Motorcycles were reintroduced into the police force in 2002 after a 55-year absence.

McDonald said the motorcycles were being reintroduced because they are easier to maneuver in traffic. He said the bike in Socorro would be used mostly for traffic stops and public events, such as parades.

The only drawback, he said, is that motorcycles are not as visible as patrol cars.

McDonald asked that people be on the lookout for an officer riding a motorcycle and cautioned if anyone saw a motorcycle driving behind them with the red lights flashing, to please pull over.

The motorcycle unit will have the same functions as other patrol units, including a radio, radar, siren and lights.

McDonald said he lives in San Antonio, along with his wife, Monica, and their three daughters, ages 2, 5 and 12.

McDonald comes to Socorro from his home in Silver City where he has been serving with the State Police for the past seven years as a senior patrolman.

Previously he had worked for three years as a patrolman in Las Vegas, NM. He graduated from the police academy, in Santa Fe, 10 years ago this December.

McDonald said he took the sergeant's test and was then offered the position in Socorro.

Although he has not had a chance yet to explore Socorro much, McDonald said the people he's met have been very friendly and it has been a good experience so far.

"I'm looking forward to serving the people here and helping in any capacity I can," he said.

aolmsted@dchieftain.com

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