The City of Sunland Park proudly congratulates Sergeant Armando Duran of the Sunland Park Police Department for being named the 2025 New Mexico Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) of the Year by the New Mexico DRE Program.

Since becoming a certified Drug Recognition Expert in May 2021, Sergeant Duran has demonstrated outstanding leadership, professionalism, and commitment to roadway safety. In 2025, he served as the Southern Region alternate representative on the New Mexico DRE Committee and continued to support agencies across the region through DRE evaluations, complex case guidance, and DWI refresher and certification training.

Sergeant Duran made history as the first Drug Recognition Expert in the Sunland Park Police Department and also played a key role in advancing the department’s K9 program, all while serving in a supervisory capacity. Known statewide as a trusted resource and mentor, he consistently encourages professional growth among fellow officers and seeks opportunities to strengthen public safety efforts.

Sergeant Duran will be formally recognized at the New Mexico DRE Committee Meeting in Albuquerque on March 23, 2026, and has been invited to attend the International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference on Impaired Driving and Traffic Safety in Anaheim, California.

The City of Sunland Park thanks Sergeant Duran for his dedication and congratulates him on this well-deserved recognition.