Local cop featured on national Web site

By Leslie Wood
Staff Writer

GALLUP — Local patrolman Jeffery Barnhurst is featured this week on the America's Most Wanted Web site, but not as fugitive from justice.

Rather, the organization is honoring Barnhurst and other emergency response personnel nationwide for their efforts while on duty.

America's Most Wanted is in the midst of accepting nominations for its All-Star contest. The contest is intended to recognize heroic first responders for their on-duty actions.

Residents are encouraged to nominate a local EMS employee, firefighter or police officer who they feel warrants the award. The nominees' photographs and descriptions of the events that led to their nomination are currently featured on the Web site.

The Web site then allows viewers to vote for the first responder who they want to win the weekly award and AMW duffel bag filled with AMW merchandise. One nominated first responder will be chosen a week, for eight weeks, to win a duffel bag. Then, at the end of the eight week period, viewers will determine through their votes which of the eight responders will be named the 2006 All-Star. According to the AMW Web site, the All-Star will win $10,000 and a weekend at the Nascar All-Star Race.

Barnhurst, a local D.A.R.E officer and patrolman for the Gallup Police Department, was nominated for his work at local schools.

Barnhurst not only teaches local students about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, but also builds lasting relationships with students.

"They build a bond with you," Barnhurst said. "So if they do have a problem, they feel they can come to you."

Erin Toadlena-Pablo, a spokeswoman for the department, said it's also important to recognize officers for their successes.

"It seems like a lot is focused on the negative," Toadlena-Pablo said, "but Gallup police officers are out there doing good things."

Barnhurst is one of two New Mexico officers who have been nominated for the award.

To vote for Barnhurst, visit the AMW Web site at www.amw.com.