CENTER — Center Police Chief Dale Meek reported last week that two new police officer recruits already hired for the Town of Center have completed 24 weeks of training at the Adams County Flatrock Police Academy and now will be serving the force in Center full time.

Officer A.J. Fresquez is the daughter of retired Del Norte Police Chief Bobby Fresquez. Officer Deanna Lopez is from Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Both ladies competed against 35 applicants in the testing process and gave outstanding interviews, Meek said. They also submitted impressive essays required as part of the interview process, he added.
The women have completed their basic academy training, passed their Colorado POST certification tests and will now start the Field Training Officer program Wednesday, which runs roughly about 12 weeks.

Lopez will ride for her field training with Officer Chris Williams and Meek will train Fresquez, then they will switch trainers. Field training is much like on-the-job training, with officers learning how to fill out paperwork, go through the court process and how to respond to certain calls, Meek explained.

Officer Lopez has been chosen to work as the Center Consolidated Schools Youth Relations Officer and will assist School Resource Officer Steve Martinez in maintaining school safety while developing the necessary ties with Center youth.

“I am very excited to have these two young ladies working in our town,” Meek said.