Trouble Brewing in the Village of Cloudcroft with Resignation of Police Chief and Multiple Police Officers

The normally sleepy village of Cloudcroft also known as New Mexico’s Christmas City appears to be facing a crisis of confidence in the village leadership and go forward plans for the village. The village hosted a commission meeting today and on the agenda was the announced resignation of police Chief Mike Testa. 

Recently Cloudcroft had been hit with an increase in thefts, robberies and breakers and the department has been feeling some pressure of a spike in crime in the normally tame and safe mountain community. 

The board of commissioners was taken a bit by surprise according to sources to find out that in addition to the resignation of the chief of police the leadership is now faced with a resignation of the village clerk and the resignation of 3/4 of the local police department. 

The chief was scheduled to speak before the commission but then opted not to speaking with the mayor privately and expressed his appreciation for his time of service. Village Trustee Gail McCoy confirmed to KALHRadio.org's Anthony Lucero that 2 other officers also resigned. She speculated the resignation was the result of changes being made and a new administration. Mrs. McCoy stated that "changes are under for the village and all for the positive."

Sources tell Alamogordo Town News that public safety is not as risk as the Otero County Sheriff’s Department under the direction of Sheriff Black has stepped up patrols and is assisting the village of Cloudcroft to ensure adequate police protection with response times consistent with state averages. 

Alamogordo Town News and KALHradio.org is investigating and as more information on this mass resignation becomes available we will report to our readers and listeners. Stay tuned for further details…

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