Gallegos returns to detention administrator post

Mark Gallegos started his new job Monday as detention administrator at the Curry County Adult Detention Center.

Some may see the name and realize Mark Gallegos is the name of the man who held that post until June.

Others realize former detention administrator Gallegos has returned to his position with the county.

Gallegos had left Curry County to be the warden at a federal correctional facility near Grants. Gallegos said it was a “professional development” move.

Gallegos learned that his former position with the CCADC was open for applicants.

“I had to think long and hard about applying, but I really didn’t have to think very long,” Gallegos said. “Clovis is what is considered home to us. I plan on retiring here.”

Gallegos said returning to Curry County was a win-win situation for his family.

“I was fortunate for this position to come open again,” he said. “I had to go through a new candidate screening.”

Gallegos said in the short time he was gone he heard from people he had worked with who were asking him if he’d come back.

Does Gallegos have new ideas for the detention center?

Gallegos said he wants to bring in more programs, he wants to focus on retention of staff and recruitment of staff.

“I’m happy to have to opportunity to come back,” Gallegos said. “To tell you the truth I’m ecstatic to be back.”