NEWS RELEASE: Las Vegas Police Department Lieutenant Michael Lopez Retires After 20 Years of Distinguished Service
- asalas843
- Jul 11
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 11, 2025
Media Contact: Amanda C, Salas, PIO
Phone: (505) 454-1401 ext. 1006
Email: clvpio@lasvegasnm.gov
Las Vegas Police Department Lieutenant Michael Lopez Retires After 20 Years of Distinguished Service
LAS VEGAS, N.M. — The Las Vegas Police Department proudly announces the retirement of Lieutenant Michael Lopez, who has completed 20 years of exceptional service to the City of Las Vegas. Known for his integrity, leadership, and compassion, Lieutenant Lopez leaves behind a legacy that will continue to shape the department and the community for years to come.
Lieutenant Lopez served his entire law enforcement career with the Las Vegas Police Department. Over two decades, he fulfilled numerous key roles, including patrol officer, police sergeant, police lieutenant, K-9 handler, defensive tactics instructor, bike patrol officer, and organizer of both the LVPOA Toy Drive and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
On Wednesday, July 9, Lieutenant Lopez was honored at a City Council meeting by the mayor and city council for his outstanding service and commitment to the community, with his family proudly in attendance.
During the ceremony, City Councilor Barbara Perea Casey became tearful as she recounted a profound experience. Shortly after becoming a city councilor, she went on a ride-along with Lieutenant Lopez and responded with him to an attempted suicide by a student at a local school. She expressed her admiration, saying that Lieutenant Lopez was the only person the student allowed to approach, which ultimately helped the student receive the care she desperately needed. She said, “Lieutenant Lopez has a special connection with people that I was honored to witness. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that day. I truly believe he saved a life. He was so amazing with everyone. I thank him for his wonderful service and I am sad that he is leaving.”
Lieutenant Lopez reflected on his retirement by saying, “This is bittersweet. Las Vegas has been my home, and I’ve raised my kids here. It’s been fun, but there comes a time when you realize it’s time to do something different. My son is going to be a senior, and my daughter a junior—I want to be there for them. I can’t thank the city enough for all they’ve done for me.”
Public service runs deep in the Lopez family. His son was sworn in as a police officer earlier this year, proudly following in his father’s footsteps, and his sister also works at the department, further deepening the family’s commitment to the community.
Mayor David Romero acknowledged Lopez’s deep roots and commitment, stating, “Thank you for all you committed to the city. There were plenty of opportunities to leave this community and work for another department, and you stuck around. I think that says a lot about you as a person—that you care, and your heart is within the community.”
Lieutenant Michael Lopez’s legacy of leadership, integrity, and service will continue to inspire officers across the department. His contributions over the past two decades have helped shape the LVPD into the organization it is today.
"Thank you, Lieutenant Lopez, for 20 incredible years of service," said Police Chief Caleb Marquez. "You will always be part of the LVPD family, and we welcome you back anytime. We are truly honored to know you."
The Las Vegas Police Department extends its deepest gratitude to Lieutenant Lopez and wishes him the very best in his next chapter.
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