local people, along with the rest of the nation, glued to their television sets, the U. S. celebrated its bicentennial anniversary and Colorado and Trinidad celebrated their centennials. My dad chose the road less traveled. He worked for the National Forest Service at Arapahoe Forest at Dillon, served as Dillon Town Marshall, and enjoyed life in the bunk house with other like-minded young men. It was there in the Rocky Mountains among the magnificent view of Lake Dillon that he met a waitress at the Arapahoe Café, my mom, Mary. They returned to Trinidad in 1972 when my dad was appointed as the Clerk of the County Court. I arrived in February 1975, followed by my sister Christine in 1978.
My dad was appointed as municipal judge in 1984. Although he does not have a law degree, he has been re-appointed by the City Council to twelve consecutive two-year terms for a total of 24 years. During these years, he continued employment in the Third Judicial District as clerk of the combined courts and then as court administrator. Dad retired from Colorado Judicial in 2005 but remains as our municipal judge. He holds court Thursday mornings, maintains the family ranch, and serves on numerous community boards.
I remember visiting my dad in his office on the third floor of the court house and looking up at him with admiration and respect for his devotion and allegiance to the State of Colorado. Like his father and grandfather before, he is a quiet and reflective person, slow to speak and quick to under-stand human shortcomings.
My Story
Typical of young men who grew up in rural Southern Colorado, I learned how to hunt with my father and grandfather, brand cattle and ride horses at the family ranch, and appreciate the beauty of the mountains. Almost every person who
has chosen law enforcement has an imprint from a previous generation. As I grow older and my travels grow wider, I find my ancestral home is law enforcement.
My first badge came from the Colorado State Parks in 1997. After graduation from CLETA at TSJC, I accepted an entry-level position at Trinidad Lake State Park. From there, I advanced to park ranger at Lake Pueblo State Park. By then, my need for know-ing about the law and how to apply it was deep, and I applied to the Colorado State Patrol. Now as I write this family history, I am a sergeant with the Colorado State Patrol’ s Homeland Security Section. From 1997 to today, there is a brief ten years in which I have worn a badge. The best I can do here is to express gratitude to the Garcia men before me who have helped me feel that I was in the company of“ law men.“ The fact is, my life would be very different if there had never been a sheriff badge to admire, or Grandpa Garcia stories to listen to, or if I had never experienced freedom to explore the court house.
In May 2006, the new jail facility in Trinidad, Colorado, was named the Felix Garcia and Filbert Garcia
Justice Center by the Las Animas County Commissioners. Current Sheriff James W. Casias and Deputy Elliot Grubert were instrumental in researching and then asking that the justice center be dedicated to the father and son. My father stated it best in his speech on the day that it was dedicated when he said,“ I remind you that you follow in the footsteps of fine men who have gone from their duties in law enforcement and have won well-deserved public recognition and acclaim. You have a rich heritage, preserve it well.“
The span of service to the community by fathers and their sons extends for 73 years, and the combined length and time in the office of sheriff by the Garcia family totals 52 years. That totals 129 years and still counting in law enforcement. It is a small wonder that the community of Trinidad gathered to pay tribute to the past and present generations of my family. I am mindful of the reputation that has been established. Yet, I have complete confidence, despite my own limitations, that I will strive to measure up and will carry forward the banner of the Garcia law enforcement traditions.
48 N New legends magazine