The Magdalena Village Board of Trustees approved hiring Paulettica Monte as deputy marshal at its Oct. 10 meeting.

The hiring brings the marshal’s office staffing to three. Mayor Richard Rumpf said the board felt Monte was extremely qualified and has already started patrolling.

“She’s been working with Marshal Michael Zamora, and deputy Brian Waterman,” Rumpf said. “She’ll also take on resource officer duties at Magdalena Schools a couple of hours a day.”

Zamora said Monte will attend the New Mexico State Police Academy by July 2023.

“She put in her application about a year ago, and now we’re glad to give her a try,” he said. “I think she’s going to work out. She came out on top with her firearm qualification. She’s very smart and very dedicated.”

Born and raised in Socorro, Monte is a Socorro High School graduate and lives in San Antonio.

“I’ve always wanted to work in law enforcement,” she said. “My family is excited and proud that I’m doing this. They are very supportive.”

Rumpf said an additional certified officer has shown interest in moving to Magdalena, “so we may be back up to four officers soon.”

The next village board meeting with be Monday, Nov. 14, at 5 p.m. in Village Hall.

Rumpf said the board will revisit the recently passed prohibition of operating OHVs within village limits. He said the proposed “Night Skies” ordinance mandating shielded street lights will also be back on the agenda.

John Larson, El Defensor Chieftain