Detention center administrator resigns

The Roosevelt County Detention Center administrator has left to take another job.

County Manager Charlene Hardin said former administrator Don Burdine’s last day was Saturday. Assistant Administrator Charles Perez is filling in until the county hires a permanent replacement for Burdine.

“I just got an opportunity to join with some Realtors on a business they have in Ruidoso, and it sounded like a more pleasant way to make a living than running a detention facility,” Burdine said.

There were no problems with the jail or county, he said.

The county started advertising after Burdine gave notice of his resignation Oct. 19, and Hardin said two people have applied for the job. The posting closes Friday.

“We would be looking for someone that’s experienced in the corrections industry,” Hardin said. “I mean, that’s a must.”

Burdine had served as jail administrator for 2 1/2 years during his most recent stint, the third time he worked for the detention center.