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Navajo Nation Council congratulates new Gallup Police Chief Toadlena-Pablo

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Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley and Council Delegates Dr.  Andy Nez and Steven Arviso had the honor of joining Erin Toadlena-Pablo, a member of the Navajo Nation  from Sawmill, Ariz., as she became the first woman to be sworn-in to serve as the Chief of Police for the  City of Gallup May 2. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, Vice President Richelle Montoya, and Gallup Mayor Louis Bonaguidi were also in attendance to offer their support and recognition.

“On behalf of the 25th Navajo Nation Council, it is an honor to recognize our Diné sister for her remarkable  and historical achievement. Police Chief Toadlena-Pablo is breaking down barriers and setting a great  example for all of our people across the Navajo Nation,” Curley, who also presented a Navajo rug to the new Police Chief, said. “I congratulate her, her family, and her fellow  officers and we pray for her continued protection and success.”

Gallup Municipal Court Judge Janell Griego  administered the oath of office to Toadlena-Pablo, who was joined by her husband, children, and parents. She is Naakai dine’é (Mexican People Clan) and born for Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water Clan), and her maternal grandfather is Dibéłzhíní (Black  Sheep Clan) and her paternal grandfather is Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan).

Following the swearing-in, Toadlena-Pablo spoke about her late grandmother and reflected on the teachings that inspired her to pursue her goals. She wore her grandmother’s scarf fon her waist as she took the oath and spoke about the need to “humanize the badge” in order to address the root causes of crime and provide  resources and support to help people.

“I first want to say, Sawmill Proud, Sawmill Strong. Today, we witnessed history. Seeing Chief Toadlena Pablo proudly accept this next step in front of family, friends, and local, state, and federal leaders was  profound,” Nez said.

Nez continued by speaking about his hopes for Toadlena-Pablo and the community of Gallup.

“ My LDA, Amber and I, extend our sincerest gratitude and congratulations to Chief and her  family, and we certainly look forward to the greater protection and safety of all people in and around the  Gallup community, including potential opportunities to create further support between agents. We are  just excited and look forward to what will become,” Nez said.

Toadlena-Pablo began working with the Gallup Police Department in 2001 with the patrol and  investigations divisions, internal affairs, school resource officer, and bike patrol and emergency response  before being promoted to Captain. She has served as the acting Police Chief since January. Her daughter,  Kiana Toadlena, also sang a Navajo song in honor of her mother.

Council Delegate Steven Arviso, who serves on the Council’s Law and Order Committee, was also in  attendance to congratulate the Police Chief on her new role. The Gallup Police Color Guard posted the  colors and Gallup Police Captain Billy Padavich served as the master of ceremonies.

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