Four Sunland Park Police Department Members Receive Excellence in Service Awards

Sunland Park Police Department

Four Sunland Park Police Department Members Receive Excellence in Service Awards

Police Service Aide Jonathan Carrillo and the Criminal Investigations Division were honored for work that went beyond what the job requires.

City Council Meeting | Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Sunland Park Police Chief Kiri Daines presented Excellence in Service Awards to members of the Sunland Park Police Department during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

Police Service Aide Jonathan Carrillo was recognized for stepping in to help a driver in distress while off duty. Lieutenant Raul Romero, Sergeant Christopher Carrillo, and Detective Justin Phillips of the Criminal Investigations Division were recognized for a months-long investigation connected to a series of shootings in the community.

“These awards recognize members of our team whose work goes beyond what the job requires in service to our community.”
Chief Kiri Daines

Chief Daines also thanked the honorees’ families for the support that makes their work possible.

Chief Kiri Daines presents a framed certificate to Police Service Aide Jonathan Carrillo as audience members look on. — Chief Kiri Daines presents an Excellence in Service Award during the October 20 City Council meeting.

The Department’s Core Values

Each award was presented in recognition of actions that reflect these four values.

Honor

Upholding the standards and reputation of the department.

Integrity

Acting responsibly, with discipline and diligence.

Service

Placing the welfare of others first, beyond normal duty.

Community

Protecting residents and working alongside partner agencies.

The Honorees

Excellence in Service Award

Police Service Aide Jonathan Carrillo

For exceptional initiative, compassion, and commitment to public safety

In the early morning hours of August 23, 2026, after being held over past the end of his shift, PSA Carrillo stopped at a local drive-through restaurant for a late dinner. He noticed the vehicle ahead of him was not moving and that restaurant employees were approaching it with concern.

PSA Carrillo left his personal vehicle and found the driver apparently unconscious behind the wheel. He immediately began rendering aid while contacting El Paso emergency services. The driver regained consciousness, El Paso EMS arrived to evaluate and treat her, and the El Paso Police Department took over the investigation.

Off duty and outside the City’s jurisdiction, his awareness and quick action addressed a possible medical emergency and kept a potentially impaired driver from returning to the road.

Excellence in Service Award

Criminal Investigations Division

Lieutenant Raul Romero • Sergeant Christopher Carrillo • Detective Justin Phillips

For exceptional dedication, professionalism, and investigative excellence

Over a sustained period, these officers committed countless hours beyond their normal duty assignments, conducting extensive surveillance, completing thorough follow-up interviews, and coordinating a complex investigation with state, federal, and Sunland Park Police Department resources.

Their work produced actionable intelligence that led to the recovery of firearms and to the identification and arrest of adult and juvenile suspects connected to a series of shootings in the community. Chief Daines noted the team at times worked more than 20 hours a day.

Select any photo to view it larger.

Following the presentations, the Mayor and members of City Council thanked the honorees and the department for their service, recognizing the work officers do every day for Sunland Park residents.

Watch the Presentation

The awards begin at the 13:29 mark of the October 20 City Council meeting.

Watch on YouTube