Julia M. Dendinger | News-Bulletin photo Valencia County Sheriff Denise Vigil was elected to office in 2018. She is the first woman to hold the position of sheriff in Valencia County.
Denise Vigil: Valencia County Sheriff, Elvis fan and proud mother and grandmother
Denise Vigil has been sheriff of Valencia County for nearly four years. She lives in Belen with her husband, Mike. She has been in law enforcement for 20 years and she says she loves what she does. She has two adult sons and “a beautiful granddaughter, who brings me so much joy. I have the best of both worlds — career and life.”
Q |
What do you think about when you’re alone in your car? |
A |
“Usually, this is my quiet time. If I am on my way to work, I think of what my day has to offer. On my way home, I usually think if I did everything I had to for the day. So usually, it’s to gather my thoughts without interruption.” |
Q |
What’s a myth about your profession you’d like to bust? |
A |
“We can solve everything in a day. We can catch every speeding car, and we can arrive at every call within minutes, a few to name.” |
Q |
What were you like in high school? |
A |
“Believe it or not, I was very passive to some degree. I had great friends who were outgoing, so it helped me become more social and I used to have some good one-liners. I don’t always have that ability to come up with good ones anymore, as I am laughing at this admission. Life was easier back then; I had a lot of good times in high school.” |
Shortly after she was elected sheriff in 2018, Valencia County Sheriff Denise Vigil (nee Romero) married Michael Vigil.
Valencia County Sheriff Denise Vigil relaxes while on vacation in Puerto Penasco, Mexico.
In addition to being Valencia County’s top law enforcement officer, Sheriff Denise Vigil also spends time getting to know community members at events such as the annual National Night Out.
A trip to Laughlin, Nev., with her husband Michael Vigil is one of the ways Valencia County Sheriff Denise Vigil relaxes.
Valencia County Sheriff Denise Vigil says she’s very proud of the accomplishments of her two sons, Paul and Anthony Romero.
Q |
What is the best advice you’ve ever received and from whom? |
A |
“When I became an officer, my dad, of course, worried about me, and simply said, ‘Treat people right, no matter what. Everyone has a story and we don’t know what that may be, but also be careful and don’t get hurt.’” |
Q |
What did you want to be when you grew up? |
A |
“I always had a taste for law, so I did some paralegal work in my early 20s, and knew one day I would try law enforcement or corrections. I tried both and, of course, the street cop profession won.” |
Q |
Who inspires you? |
A |
“My husband (Mike) does. He is my biggest supporter in everything. When I feel a little frustration, he puts me back on track to keeps me focused and positive.” |
Q |
If you could work any other job for one day, what would it be and why? |
A |
“A coffee shop owner (mom-and-pop type). I think because it’s a place where people would come to unwind and socialize.” |
Q |
What do you do in your free time? |
A |
“For the most part, its being home and enjoying country living, spending time with my granddaughter, but usually my husband and I like to camp, fish and visit with family. On occasion, we will binge watch a series on television.” |
Q |
What’s something about you most people don’t know? |
A |
“For being a woman, I absolutely do not like shopping! I really have to be in need to get out and do this, but when that day comes, I spend a lot more than I would like to.” |
Q |
What three books would you to take to a deserted island? |
A |
“I used to read a lot; I obviously do not have time anymore, so if I had to pick at least an author it would be anything from V.C. Andrews, the book ‘The Good Earth’ and “Like Water For Chocolate |
Q |
You find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million. What would you do? |
A |
“Well I think I would attempt to find the person who may have lost this ticket, but if by some chance that didn’t work out and it would be turned over to ‘the finder,’ I would share this with family and also see what organizations would need help with funds. Although no matter the amount of money, it doesn’t go far when you want to help everyone.” |
Q |
Who is your best friend and why? |
A |
“My husband is my best friend. I can tell him anything and know he will be honest and tell me when I may be wrong. He praises me when I didn’t think I needed praise. Overall, he is who I turn to for everything.” |
Q |
What’s your favorite song to sing when you’re alone? |
A |
“Well, I am not much of a singer so it’s best I would attempt to sing alone! I love music from the ’80s so I would sing, ‘When Doves Cry,’ by Prince.” |
Q |
Where is your happy place, and why? |
A |
“My happy place is home; I love where I live, it’s quiet. I have beautiful outdoor space and it feels comfortable all the time.” |
Q |
Have you had a life-changing experience that led you to where you are today? |
A |
“Yes, a few years ago I thought I wanted to get away from law enforcement. I quickly learned this was my calling and regretted leaving it. This is when the big jump occurred where I decided I wanted to give more, so I ran for sheriff — the biggest step of my career but the most rewarding. I know now I just needed a change in what I was doing as a law enforcement official, not so much I didn’t want to do it anymore. I would never make the same mistake again.” |
Q |
What teacher had the greatest impact on you? |
A |
“In junior high school in Taos, it was Mr. Frutoso Lopez. He was my algebra teacher. He knew my struggles with math, and he was a strict teacher so I never felt comfortable asking for help. He recognized this and found a way to reach out and become comfortable with myself. He helped me so much.” |
Q |
What is your favorite movie scene and why? |
A |
“I love the movie ‘Grease.’ I think the ending is the best part. The thrill of high school, friends, problems and, in the end, they are having a great day together.” |
Q |
If you could have dinner with one famous person — dead or alive — who would it be and why? |
A |
“Well, I have a passion for Elvis’ music, and I would love to have dinner with him.” |
Q |
What are you most proud of? |
A |
“My life, I was able to do the job that makes me happy. I raised two boys who have good hearts. I have a good husband. My mom is still with me and my granddaughter. This is what makes me proud.” |
Q |
How would you like to be remembered? |
A |
“Someone who actually cared about the world around us. We can all have one or more passions in life, but mine is to show we care and we are all in this life together.” |
The Valencia County News-Bulletin is a locally owned and operated community newspaper, dedicated to serving Valencia County since 1910 through the highest journalistic and professional business standards. The VCNB is published weekly on Thursdays, including holidays both in print and online.
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April 18, 2024
