Winston Patrol from District One Awarded the Ben Lopez Memorial Best Statewide Patrol for 2023

DEMING – Winston Patrol from District One was recently awarded the statewide recognition for the Ben Lopez Memorial Best Patrol of 2023. The Winston Patrol competed against the five other districts for this recognition. 

Winston Patrol crew members: Supervisor Clint Garza, Kegan Garrett, Caleb Young, Tino Luna and Area Maintenace Supervisor Curtis Jandt.

Judges travel around the state to all the patrols nominated for this award, scoring patrols on overall cleanliness, organization, equipment, and roadways.

The Winston Patrol ensured all equipment was properly maintained and sparkly clean, while responding to emergencies, addressing fence and guardrail repairs, performing road maintenance, and keeping up with all unpaved roadways they maintain. They excelled in all aspects, resurfaced the patrol grounds, and made sure the patrol was clean and tidy.

The Ben Lopez Memorial Best Patrol

This memorial award was started after one of our own lost his life tragically. Ben was the acting Patrol Supervisor at the North Urban Patrol yard in Albuquerque. Early in the morning of August 18, 2005, Ben was killed in a random act of violence as he arrived at work. Ben was the first of many that lost his life that day during a murder spree that also claimed the lives of two motorcycle shop employees and two Albuquerque police officers.  Ben’s tragic death represents the commitment and sacrifice department employees make for public service on a daily basis.