Commissioners Appoint Apodaca As Sheriff
By Stephanie Valle
EL PASO — County Commissioners voted unanimously to keep Deputy Sheriff Jimmy Apodaca as head of the sheriff’s office until the end of the year, concluding the term of the late Sheriff Leo Samaniego.
Before a courtroom filled with sheriff’s deputies, interested members of the community, and a majority of the candidates running for sheriff, Apodaca told the court he would do his best to uphold the integrity of the sheriff’s office and was grateful for the court’s support in clearing up any doubt over the court’s intentions.
County Judge Anthony Cobos told Apodaca he would appreciate if Apodaca would refrain from appointing any of the candidates as his chief deputy to keep the office apolitical.Apodacaagreed to do so.
Cobos also thanked Commissioner Dan Haggerty for putting this item on the agenda. Last week, much to the surprise of several commissioners and members of the public, the court did not address making a sheriff appointment during their first meeting since Samaniego’s death.
ABC-7 had received a letter last weekend from the newly-formed El Paso County Sheriff’s Deputies Association, asking the court to uphold the wishof Leo Samaniego and support the appointment of Apodaca.
The group also hinted at “a coup of sorts” to overthrow Apodaca and thwart Samaniego’s wishes. Monday, there was no hint that any members of the court had anyone in mind other than Apodaca for sheriff.
Before commissioners voted, they heard from community activists and a handful of candidates, all who supported Apodaca’s appointment as sheriff.
The unanimous vote met with resounding applause from everyone in the courtroom. Apodaca thanked thecommission and spokebriefly about his commitment to uphold the integrity and honor ofsheriff’s office asSamaniego left it.
“Thank you for your confidence,” Apodaca said.”We both wanted him to walk out of the job at the end of his term. His goal was to finish this year,” Apodaca said,clearly emotional. “We both said this was going to be the best year of his career, and that we would turn over a great office to his successor. I’m honored.”
