BY GAIL M. WILLIAMS
Muleshoe Journal Correspondent

Leo Aviles, who has worked for the City of Muleshoe Police Department for almost seven years, was promoted to lieutenant in a ceremony at the Training Facility on Friday, July 5.
Aviles has worked for the police department for almost seven years, said Police Chief Gary McHone.
Two other officers, John Stiles and Jose Martinez, were honored for graduating from the Police Academy. Stiles was previously a dispatcher, and Martinez was previously an animal control/code compliance officer officially in field training.
“The two positions had been open for some time,” said Muleshoe Chief of Police Gary McHone. “We were able to sponsor these two men by paying for their academy training. In return, they agreed to serve the City of Muleshoe for at least two years. It’s a win-win situation.”
Because it’s sometimes difficult to recruit police department candidates for a rural community like Muleshoe, McHone said they have had to think outside the box in order to fill positions.
Currently, the police department has one part-time detective, Sgt. Orlando Rivera, who also works full-time for the district attorney. Jorge Torres serves as a part-time patrol officer.
“They’ve been able to help operationally with follow-up investigations and related matters,” McHone said. “Since the part-time positions don’t pay benefits, the department has been able to create two part-time positions at 50 hours a week out of one full-time position with the funds allocated.”
Martinez is transitioning from a part-time, temporary animal control position to a permanent part-time position. Blake Parker, another part-time officer, fills in by helping with code compliance.
Applications are currently online for a Police Officer and a Police/Fire/911 Dispatcher. Salary depends on qualifications, the result of a complete background investigation and certification by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement standards. Dispatcher must be willing to perform shift work.
For more information, go to http://www.city-of-muleshoe.com/Employment-Opportunities/.

Courtesy Photos/Muleshoe Police Department

Police Chief Gary McHone hands Lt. Leo Aviles his certificate. Aviles was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant in a ceremony Friday, July 5.