Local police apply for vacancy

PNT senior writer

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Lt. Mark Cage of the Portales Police Department and Roosevelt County Sheriff Darren Hooker said they plan to apply for the police chief position that will become vacant in September.

Current Police Chief Jeff Gill has announced he plans to retire Sept. 21.

Cage nor Hooker has submitted applications yet, according to city officials.

Cage has worked 18 years with the PPD, serving his last three years as a lieutenant and public information officer.

"Every officer should be aspiring to go to the top," Cage said about his desire to apply for the position. "I want to make a difference, I want to serve the people of Portales as best I can."

Hooker began his law enforcement career with the Eastern New Mexico University Police Department in 1996. He was elected Roosevelt County Sheriff and took office in January 2007.

"I love serving the community of Roosevelt County and Portales and working with the people here," Hooker said. "It would be a wonderful opportunity to work with people at the Portales Police Department and support the people of Portales."

According to the city manager Tom Howell, city officials won't look at applications until Aug. 17.