🌱 APD's New Area Command + First Female Fire Chief Waits Confirmation

Good morning, Albuquerque! I'm back with your new edition of the Albuquerque Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and very cold. High: 35 Low: 15.

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Here are the top three stories today in Albuquerque:

1. Albuquerque officials announced on Tuesday that the Albuquerque Police Department is creating a new University Area Command. The new area command takes over part of the currently-existing Southeast Area command to better distribute and expand available resources. The new area command is scheduled to be fully operational by early March. (KOB 4)
2. With Albuquerque Fire Rescue Fire Chief Gene Gallegos scheduled to retire next month, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller has nominated First Deputy Emily Jaramillo to become the next fire chief. If the Albuquerque City Council approves her nomination, then she will become the first female chief in the department's history. (Albuquerque Journal)
3. The U.S. Marshals Service recently completed a nationwide, month-long operation by the U.S. Marshals Service that focused on cracking down on gangs, sex offenders, and violent criminals in ten cities with high rates of violence. As part of the 833 total arrests around the U.S., officials arrested 88 fugitives in and around the Albuquerque area in addition to seizing 11 firearms and recovering a child who has been missing for two years. (KOB 4)

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Today in Albuquerque:

• Cattitude Club At San Pedro Branch Library (3:00 PM)
• Howl At The Moon Every Third Thursday At Plaza Don Luis (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Join the Northwest Area Command officers from the Albuquerque Police Department for coffee and a conversation! Coffee with a Cop will be on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. at the Starbucks on Coors Blvd. (Albuquerque Police Department via Facebook)
• Calling all house hunters! Check out this list of five recent open houses in the Albuquerque area, including a three-bedroom, three-bathroom house for $340,000. (Albuquerque Patch)
• If you're a University of New Mexico student without a car, you might feel like you're stuck where you are, but there are many great activities well within reach! Here are some hangout ideas that UNM students can access by foot, bicycle, or bus. (Albuquerque Journal)
• Happy 100th birthday to local World War II veteran Eugenio Lueras! Leuras turned 100 on Feb. 14 and is one of only 2,300 WWII veterans still living in New Mexico. (KOB 4)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. I'll see you soon!

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.