A Doña Ana County Sheriff’s deputy was recently named the recipient of the Larry Willard Flame of Hope award for her continued dedication to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.
Deputy Michelle Ugalde has been involved with LETR for more than 10 years and has served on its executive committee as State Director. She was named to the Final Leg team that ran the Flame of Hope through South Korea in 2013 and was recently named to the team again for this year’s World Games in Austria next month.
“It is quite an honor to receive this kind of award,” said Ugalde, “but the real honor is the ability to work with all of the athletes in New Mexico and around the world. There’s no greater feeling than to see the accomplishments of this organization through their eyes.”
Sheriff Enrique Vigil called the award “exemplary” and said the honor is what defines the heart and soul of his department.
“Deputy Ugalde symbolizes the partnership with this community that we strive for every day,” said Vigil. “The badge and the uniform are much more than just traditional public safety, they represent a community-policing paradigm that this department will continue to emulate throughout Doña Ana County.”
Ugalde will leave for Austria in March. You can follow the Special Olympics World Winter Games by visiting www.letr-finalleg.org.
Information from Dona Ana County