Artesia, the City of Champions, Pride of the Pecos Valley ... a city teaming with accomplishments and accustomed to superlatives welcomes a new player to the city roster.

"I’ve wanted to be a law enforcement officer all my life," beams Artesia Police Department Patrolman Izzy Johnson.

Johnson graduated from the New Mexico State Law Enforcement Academy in Hobbs on Friday, where he spoke as valedictorian.

Striving for excellence, however, is not new for Johnson. He has earned numerous credits toward a degree in Criminal Justice in Carlsbad, to augment corrections, fire school and EMT training.

"Education is key," implores Johnson, taking inspiration from his mother, who continues to study various fields.

"Growing up, I didn’t believe that," Johnson chuckles. "Now I love it — I can’t get away from it! Any training or courses that they offer me, you can bet my name is going on the list!"

Originally from Carlsbad, Johnson has worked in adult and juvenile corrections as well as with the Children, Youth and Families Department.

He believes this background improves his insight into serving the public and in law enforcement by offering a better understanding of the other side of the law enforcement coin.

"I wanted to work in corrections until I decided I was ready to become a police officer," Johnson explains. "Then I looked at Hobbs, Roswell, Carlsbad and Artesia."

Johnson is enthusiastic about his choice to apply here and exclaims, "God bless this place for affording me this opportunity."

Johnson and his family "love it here," citing the friendly people and community-oriented attitude as the "why" of that love — "the people, the camaraderie — not just within the department, but within the public."

"I’ve issued citations and had people actually shake my hand," Johnson notes, an attitude that is not always prevalent in other municipalities.

"I had no idea that Artesia was what it is ... people go out of their way to benefit others, not expecting anything in return," voices Johnson. "The people here are truly, truly genuine."

When asked if he considers his position as a police officer as an opportunity to serve as a teacher, Johnson emphatically states, "Absolutely ... I believe firmly in community policing, in educating the public. I would rather help someone than be a detriment."

Especially with young people. Johnson believes that some of the youth with whom he worked in juvenile corrections, as well as any young man or woman that is troubled, "needs someone to look up to and offer positive reinforcement."

"I believe I made a difference," Johnson adds. "These are still children, whether we realize it or not ... and these children become our future."

Recognizing that these children exhibit leadership skills and creativity, Johnson is enthusiastic about means of redirecting negative energies to positive accomplishments.

Finding the positives, being a positive role model and offering positive reinforcement is part of the attitude Johnson brings to the force.

Johnson also is impressed by the interaction within the local law enforcement community. "Every- one works together ... law enforcement as a whole ... the State Police the S.O. (Sheriff’s office) — you never hear complaints."

Johnson aptly analogizes the unique working environment and relationships as "like being in the same family."