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Paul Moncada gets city police chief post
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| Police Chief Paul Moncada |
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
After more than three decades of moving up the ranks in the Benson Police Department, Monday night Paul Moncada received City Council approval to become police chief.
Moncada, in his 33rd year with the department, has been serving as interim police chief since July when Glenn Nichols became the city manager.
On Monday, Nichols said since the city manager appoints the chief, the City Council's approval wasn't required but was appreciated. Council members had nothing but good things to say about Moncada's work to date.
Before the meeting, Mayor Mark Fenn said, "I think he's done a great job. He has the support of the police force, and he's acting more and more like the police chief. He's doing a good job."
A show of support was obvious Monday night, as several members of the Benson Police Department applauded as the council unanimously approved the measure.
Moncada said he was "elated" after finally reaching a goal he had set for himself more than 30 years ago.
"I felt like I've accomplished one of my long-term goals in life," he said. "It was a motivator I had a long time ago when I started as a police officer. I said then that someday I wanted to become chief, and now I have reached that goal."
Moncada, who started as a police officer, moved through the ranks to commander and detective.
Nichols said he was pleased to make the recommendation, noting he has received a lot of positive feedback from not only the police officers, but also the community.
Councilman Al Sacco said Moncada is a "definite asset to the community," and Councilman David Lambert said he is confident he has done a good job, and will continue to do a good job in the future.
Moncada said he will continue to push for excellence, noting that he doesn't have a lot of plans for changes, but there are some in the works. The new chief said he is gathering input from the police force and will likely be making some "cosmetic" changes.
As a whole, Moncada said the department is running well, but there "is always room for improvement."
In other business with the police department Monday night, the council approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Moncada said over the last year a Benson officer has been assigned to the state's gang and drug interdiction and prosecution program, otherwise known as GITEM.
The IGA was a renewal from last year, with one change. Moncada said with state budget deficits, the city will be responsible for 25 percent of the officer's salary. Last year, the city paid 15 percent.
Moncada said the program has been successful so far, with a recent arrest in Benson where a resident on Mark Street was selling cocaine out of his home.
While the Department of Public Safety would not provide details regarding the Sept. 24 incident, Justice of the Peace Joe Knoblock authorized a search warrant for the home, which resulted in the arrest of 26-year-old Jose Ruiz.
Ruiz was charged with four felony counts of possession of narcotic drugs, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of narcotic drugs for sale.
Bond was set at $250,000, with a preliminary hearing set for 9 a.m. Oct. 5 in the Benson court.
Moncada said while this arrest did take place in Benson, the GITEM task force investigates drug cases all over Cochise County.
After more than three decades of moving up the ranks in the Benson Police Department, Monday night Paul Moncada received City Council approval to become police chief.
Moncada, in his 33rd year with the department, has been serving as interim police chief since July when Glenn Nichols became the city manager.
On Monday, Nichols said since the city manager appoints the chief, the City Council's approval wasn't required but was appreciated. Council members had nothing but good things to say about Moncada's work to date.
Before the meeting, Mayor Mark Fenn said, "I think he's done a great job. He has the support of the police force, and he's acting more and more like the police chief. He's doing a good job."
A show of support was obvious Monday night, as several members of the Benson Police Department applauded as the council unanimously approved the measure.
Moncada said he was "elated" after finally reaching a goal he had set for himself more than 30 years ago.
"I felt like I've accomplished one of my long-term goals in life," he said. "It was a motivator I had a long time ago when I started as a police officer. I said then that someday I wanted to become chief, and now I have reached that goal."
Moncada, who started as a police officer, moved through the ranks to commander and detective.
Nichols said he was pleased to make the recommendation, noting he has received a lot of positive feedback from not only the police officers, but also the community.
Councilman Al Sacco said Moncada is a "definite asset to the community," and Councilman David Lambert said he is confident he has done a good job, and will continue to do a good job in the future.
Moncada said he will continue to push for excellence, noting that he doesn't have a lot of plans for changes, but there are some in the works. The new chief said he is gathering input from the police force and will likely be making some "cosmetic" changes.
As a whole, Moncada said the department is running well, but there "is always room for improvement."
In other business with the police department Monday night, the council approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Moncada said over the last year a Benson officer has been assigned to the state's gang and drug interdiction and prosecution program, otherwise known as GITEM.
The IGA was a renewal from last year, with one change. Moncada said with state budget deficits, the city will be responsible for 25 percent of the officer's salary. Last year, the city paid 15 percent.
Moncada said the program has been successful so far, with a recent arrest in Benson where a resident on Mark Street was selling cocaine out of his home.
While the Department of Public Safety would not provide details regarding the Sept. 24 incident, Justice of the Peace Joe Knoblock authorized a search warrant for the home, which resulted in the arrest of 26-year-old Jose Ruiz.
Ruiz was charged with four felony counts of possession of narcotic drugs, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of narcotic drugs for sale.
Bond was set at $250,000, with a preliminary hearing set for 9 a.m. Oct. 5 in the Benson court.
Moncada said while this arrest did take place in Benson, the GITEM task force investigates drug cases all over Cochise County.
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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of bensonnews-sun.com.
Frank Edward Blanchard wrote on Oct 1, 2009 1:46 PM:
It's about time, all them years on the Benson Police Department the position could not have been given to a better officer. A great choice definitely,
I know it's a thankless job but I believe he is the right man at this time in Benson history.
He's a no-nonsense officer who will do his duty for his community and a good solid individual and leader.
Again congratulations
Frank Edward Blanchard "