State police deputy chief retiring

CLOVIS - Jimmy Glascock ended a career of almost 25 years with New Mexico State Police last week, retiring at 47 to join his family back in his adopted home of Clovis to see what new opportunities await him here.

Glascock grew up in a law enforcement family in Sudan, and studied law enforcement and criminal justice at South Plains College. After graduating from the academy in 1993 his first duty station assignment was to Fort Sumner, where he worked about two years before starting a five-year assignment in Clovis.

Then after working as a NMSP sergeant in Santa Fe from 2000 to 2008, Glascock was appointed captain and returned to Clovis as the area's district commander, serving Curry, Roosevelt, Quay and De Baca counties.

Glascock retired Friday after a run as NMSP deputy chief in Santa Fe since 2013.

What has been the most satisfying or rewarding part of your career with state police?

As a patrolman or an agent, when you're out doing your work, making contact with the public, whether it's a call for service or helping them change a tire, helping them in a time of need - I really liked that portion of the job.

Advancing was great of course, but getting to come back to District 9 Clovis as district commander - to be entrusted with that command - I consider one of the greatest achievements and most satisfying achievements of my career.

What changes, if any, have you observed over the years in the types of crimes or accidents NMSP handles?

I think locally it's been pretty stable, not just including the state police. There are great departments here and it's a great community. I think the community is very involved in terms of being engaged with what's going on and making a difference.

The sheriff department and police departments are very strong. All of the agencies generally work together very well.

I think there are a number of issues that law enforcement are placed to deal with, including being called in to deal with family issues or homelessness or drug abuse. It's taking more than police to deal with these issues - like more robust services for drug addiction, and resources to help deal with mental health issues as well.

Particularly in the last three years, it seems like those things have come to a head. I think (local and statewide agencies) all are working together in terms of training and seeking all of the resources that are available out there.

What do you think is the greatest challenge for NMSP in the coming years?

It's definitely staffing and those personnel resources. I think it's a challenging time to be in law enforcement - it's challenging to find those who are willing to work in this profession and meet the qualifications to do it and handle the complex things that need to be done today. All agencies, I think, struggle with that to an extent.

What moments from your career stand out as particularly difficult or challenging?

I hope this isn't too broad, but I think it's any time you see families face loss through tragedy - whether it's through a car crash or some type of accident or incident where a family is torn apart either through loss of child, a parent, a friend or loved one. I think those are some of the most difficult things to see.

(The career) really opened my eyes to having an appreciation of how great life is and valuing that. Hopefully everyone can.

There are definitely challenges in life, but if you've got good health and your family is intact - it definitely opened my eyes to appreciating those things and hopefully not taking it for granted. Nobody ever really plans for those days when life changes.

What are your plans now that you're retired from state police?

I definitely have no plans yet, I just want to get back and enjoy the rest of the summer with my family before school comes back. I'll see what comes next. I love service and I love serving. Whatever opportunities or doors the Lord opens I'll be anxious to see.

It's still kind of a bittersweet leaving, but working in headquarters really requires more than a full time presence there.

Having also the benefit and the blessing of somewhat of an early retirement is a great option. I have mixed emotions leaving because I love the career and still do, but I was working out of Santa Fe and my family has been living here since August. This way I can get back with my family full time, and I'm very grateful for that.

- Compiled by Staff Writer David Grieder