Graffiti Buster Retires After 48 Years

By ABC-7Reporter Abe Lubetkin

EL PASO, Texas – Six shakes and a few long sprays – that’s how Robert Salcido has been fighting gangs and cleaning El Paso for the last 48 years.

But, this World War Two veterantold ABC-7he now worries about the safety of his young volunteers.

For instance, Salcido said one man threatened them with a gun.

“This man got out of the car and had a gun in his hand,” Salcido said.

Graffitiin El Paso is a problem that hasn’t gone away.

“Graffiti is as big a problem today as it was 10 years ago,” said Tammy Fonce-Olivas, Public Information Officer for the El Paso Streets Department.

Former city councilman Larry Medina said he admires Salcido’s selflessness.

“He did it out of the kindness of his heart,” Medina said. “I want to cry just thinking about it.”

Salcido said his decision to retire comes after a family illness and several other factors,but he’ll keep his cleaning equipment handy, just in case.

“I cannot be idle,” Salcido said. “As long as I live I’ve been trying to take this message a way from the walls, because I know I’ll be saving kids’ lives.”