Belen police officer recognized for her outstanding work

BELEN—A local police officer is being commended for her work making a significant difference in the community.

Belen police officer Elizabeth Keller was recently recognized at the May 6 city council meeting by her superiors and the governing body.

BPD Deputy Chief Jose Natividad said Keller, who was recently hired by Chief James Harris, was recommended for two commendations, one for saving the life of a local woman, and the Outstanding Service Award for her continued diligent work in the community.

BPD Sgt. Jerome Cordova recommended Keller for both awards, saying on Tuesday, March 12, Keller responded to a home on Impala Drive regarding a 66-year-old woman who was reportedly not breathing.

“… Officer Keller was the first person on scene,” Cordova said. “Officer Keller quickly recognized this woman was unresponsive and pulseless. (She) immediately began CPR on the female. While initiating CPR, officer Keller reported (the woman) began to gasp for air.”

Keller continued CPR on the woman until personnel from Belen Fire and Rescue arrived. Cordova said the woman eventually regained a pulse and was transported to a hospital in Albuquerque.

“Officer Keller’s quick response, recognition of the severity of a medical emergency, immediate action and effective CPR directly resulted in saving of a life,” Cordova said. “In these situations, seconds matter, and officer Keller wasted no time in utilizing her training.”

BPD Sgt. Mario Vallejos said he wanted to recognize Keller as an outstanding law enforcement officer, saying that on Jan. 22, she responded to a residential burglary call on Atkinson Drive.

“Officer Keller took the time and thoroughly investigated … and obtained the surveillance video of this incident,” Vallejos said. “She took the extra steps, and involved Detective Garcia in her investigation with a persistence in solving the crime.”

Vallejos said a couple of weeks later, detectives were able to identify the suspect, and Keller continued to search for this individual. On March 4, the suspect was arrested, and a second suspect was arrested on a warrant from the U.S. Marshal’s office.

On Feb. 22, Keller took a call for services at Blake’s Lotaburger on River Road regarding an aggravated assault with a firearm. Keller was very persistent in identifying the suspect, and the person was arrested on March 4, charged with multiple felonies, Vallejos said.

“Due to officer Keller’s persistence and outstanding service to her community, I believe both suspects in these cases would be still at large if not for officer Keller,” the sergeant said. “I just wanted her recognized, and being a new officer, I hope that she would be motivated.”