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GPD promotes Toadlena-Pablo

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GPD Chief: ‘More promotions to come’

The Gallup Police Department held a formal ceremony July 18 to promote Erin Toadlena-Pablo from the rank of sergeant to that of lieutenant. The ceremony took place at police headquarters on Boardman Drive and was attended by a few dozen personnel from the GPD and family members of Toadlena-Pablo.

“She is very deserving of the honor,” new Gallup Police Chief Phillip Hart said of Toadlena-Pablo.

“There were a few individuals whose promotions were already on the table when I arrived and ready to get done,” Hart, who was hired as police chief about three weeks ago, said. “This was one of them.”

Toadlena-Pablo started working with the city in 2001. She said field operations are among her new duties. Toadlena-Pablo’s salary increase was not available as of press time. Hart gave her a boxed gift item containing a badge and police paraphernalia during the ceremony.

“I am very happy and honored to get the promotion,” Toadlena-Pablo said, joking that the ceremony took place a day before her wedding anniversary. “I love Gallup and am very honored to be a part of the Gallup Police Department.”

A former GPD public information officer and patrolwoman, Toadlena-Pablo isn’t the only police officer to be promoted since Hart became chief. Billy Padavich was promoted in early July from sergeant to lieutenant. Padavich also is a 15-year GPD veteran.

Both Toadlena-Pablo and Padavich went through the required oral interviews and a test, Hart said. The latter is something new at GPD.

Hart said the public can expect more promotions to come within the next few months. Hart did not comment on the still-vacant deputy police chief job that opened when John Allen retired last month.

Besides Allen and former Police Chief Robert Cron, Capt. Rick White retired last month, too.

By Bernie Dotson
Sun Correspondent


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