CIBOLA COUNTY - The Cibola County Sheriff's Office recently incorporated two new divisions that will help fulfill some concerns across the county.

Det. Dominic Pargas, left, and Levi Francis, animal control, have opened new division doors in CCSO. Recent hires have added years of valuable experience and opportunities for the office to meet the needs around the county.BEACON / TESHIMA

“We've gone along ways in a short period of time,” said Sheriff Johnny Valdez, “I'm very proud to be a part of it.”

Levi Francis was hired as the first animal control officer to serve in the office.

Valdez said the need for an animal control officer came about from the ever-increasing number of animals in the county.

Before Francis can hit the streets, the division is working on policy, a job that could take several weeks.

“We want to make sure it's a fair policy that still holds officers accountable for what needs to be done,” said Valdez. He added that ordinances from 2001 will be recognized and supplied to the county in a 'do's and dont's' fashion.

Francis is also in charge of securing proper equipment necessary to handle animals.

The office is in the process of possibly hiring another control officer to assist Francis with duties around the county.

While the division is new to CCSO, the sheriff remains in close relationship with the Grants Police Department Chief Steve Sena, in an effort to make the transition as smooth as possible.

The two departments look to work together to tackle any issues the city or county may have.

The office also brought on retired State Police Captain Dominic Pargas, as the office's first detective. Pargas had been director of District 6, which covers Gallup, Grants and Farmington as well as the areas surrounding.

Det. Pargas started with State Police nearly 25 years ago and found himself moving up quickly in the ranks.

After serving as the public information officer for several years in the southern region of the state, Pargas was recognized by his chief and promoted to captain. An achievement that Pargas said took a lot of dedication.

“This is where we chose to live. I love the fresh air, mountains and the beauty the county offers,” said Pargas, an outdoor enthusiast who frequents Coyote Del Malpais Golf Course.

After a year of retirement, Pargas said it was time to get back to what he excelled at. With more than two decades on the force Valdez said the detective brings plenty of knowledge and experience as well as professional demeanor to the table.

“That experience I have supports me everyday,” said Det. Pargas on his career. He also learned to be open-minded to the needs of the citizens and his officers. If he couldn't provide an answer from his tenured experience, Pargas learned to research effectively, a skill he's using frequently.

The detective has taken on the cold case files and other cases that never got a chance to be completed. Sheriff Valdez said Pargas also will be investigating major crimes such as rape or homicide.

With Pargas joining the office, the administrators boast 110 years of experience between the five individuals.

“It helps me to be able to serve the people of Cibola County,” said Sheriff Valdez.

The familiar face of Ginger Vernon was recently promoted to records clerk, where Valdez said she will be able to excel.

With the right people in the right places, Valdez said his office continues to move forward.