Farmington Schools Hires first Armed Campus Safety Monitor

Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 7:48 PM

Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe administering the oath to new Armed Campus Safety Officer James Roberts

The FMS Board of Education authorized school security personnel to carry firearms on school premises during their January 9, 2024, meeting. The move paved the way for the hiring of Armed Campus Safety Monitors (ACSMs), former certified law enforcement officers tasked with providing an additional layer of protection for students and staff during emergencies.

From Farmington Schools:

Monday, April 1, 2024

On Monday, April 1, 2024, Mr. James Roberts was officially sworn in by Chief Steve Hebbe of the Farmington Police Department as the first FMS armed campus safety monitor.

Mr. Roberts comes with a lot of experience in keeping people safe, with more than 20 years in law enforcement, working with both the Bloomfield Police Department and the San Juan County Sheriff's Office. His expertise includes certifications as a Drugs Recognition Examiner, SWAT, and Field Training Officer before he retired as a Sergeant in the Patrol Division. Mr. Roberts has also spent three years as a Campus Safety Monitor for the Farmington Municipal Schools, so he knows our schools well.

“I’m excited to start a new chapter and I’m looking forward to this opportunity. It will be great to work in collaboration with the Farmington Police Department to ensure the safety of students and staff at Farmington Municipal Schools,” said Mr. James Roberts.

“One of the district’s most important goals is to make sure we are providing a safe environment for students and staff, and this new program will do precisely that. The efforts of our Safety Department and our collaborative work with local law enforcement agencies create a more connected community and a safer one for all,” said Superintendent Cody Diehl.

ACSMs, after passing rigorous evaluations and specialized training, will have the authority to enforce misdemeanor crimes, temporarily detain individuals for violent offenses, and conduct searches on people and property on our campuses. This decision followed more than nine months of discussions with partners at the Farmington Police Department and consultations with other school districts, and risk management group Poms and Associates.

Mr. Roberts will be getting extra training over the summer from the Farmington Police Department to prepare for his new role. He'll be working at Piedra Vista High School starting in August, making sure it's a safer place for everyone.

More from Local News

SJRMC & San Juan College agree to expand Nursing Program

Full-time nursing faculty members will receive a $10,000 annual stipend on top of their base salary to enhance the program’s capacity. In addition, students will have an opportunity to enter into an agreement with SJRMC to receive a substantial $4,800 living stipend per semester,
Downtown Farmington gets National Main Street Accreditation

Historic Downtown Farmington’s performance was evaluated through assessments conducted by the organization’s personnel and board of directors, and New Mexico MainStreet, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify local programs that meet rigorous national community evaluation standards.
Man Arrested for Fruitland Murder

Following verbal arguments at the house of Adrian Begay (age 45), De Andre Julian (age 23) left with his girlfriend, Adrian Begay’s daughter, Adriana Begay (age 21) to a nearby residence. Adrian Begay followed them to the exterior of the residence when De Andre Julian produced a handgun and shot Adrian Begay multiple times in the chest at close range.
Arrest Made in Farmington Killing

After a lengthy investigation, Ms. Greenfield’s death was determined to be a homicide and detectives identified 27-year-old Serrono Rippingale as the suspect. On June 26th, 2025, an arrest warrant for Murder (2nd degree felony) and Tampering with Evidence (3rd degree felony) was obtained and served on Serrono Rippingale.
Farmington Hires New Museum Director

“Nathan’s expertise in the museum industry, combined with his global perspective and passion for community engagement, make him a tremendous asset to Farmington,” said Christa Chapman, Director of Cultural Affairs. “We’re excited to see how his leadership will shape the future of the Farmington Museum System.”
San Juan Co. Child Contracts Measles

While the child caught measles outside San Juan County, people may have been exposed to this latest case of measles at the following locations, days and times: San Juan Regional Medical Center Emergency Room, 801 West Maple Street in Farmington on the following days and times: Monday, May 26 from 10:30 p.m. - Tuesday, May 27 at 4:15 a.m. Wednesday, May 28 from 2 - 4 p.m. San Juan Regional Medical Center Health Partners Pediatrics Clinic, 407 South Schwartz, Suite 102 in Farmington: Friday, May 30 from 8:15 - 10:30 a.m.