Farwell police chief moving on

FARWELL — Police Chief Robert Achterberg is moving to New Braunfels, Texas, to take a job as a patrolman. He said he took the job for family and professional reasons.

“I will miss the overall community and all the people I met here,” said Achterberg, 50, who served in Farwell for six years. “I was very happy in Farwell.”

A one-man department in Farwell, Achterberg’s last day is Friday.

Parmer County Sheriff Randy Geries said his deputies will help fill the void in Farwell until a new chief is employed.

“We hope they hire someone soon. We’re covering for them until they do,” Geries said.

Geries said Achterberg is a “real nice guy” who will be missed.

City of Farwell City Secretary Cynthia Trowler said Tuesday she has received seven applications for the job.

The deadline to apply is March 21.

“We’re looking at the possibility of selecting two (applications). A chief and an officer,” she said.

A 25-year law enforcement veteran, Achterberg worked for the Clovis Police Department for two years, he said.

In all his years of experience, Achterberg said his favorite location was Ruidoso.