Officer John Valdez of the Raton Police Officers Assoc. along with former Police Chief Dick Bonahoom’s daughters, Diana Best and Barbara Bonohoom, speak to the crowd at the memorial plaque ceremony on Saturday, October 10th.
The Raton Police Officers Association along with a crowd of local citizens, honored former Raton Police Chief Dick Bonahoom at ceremonies on Saturday, October 10 at the park that already bears his name.
Daughter Barbara Bonahoom addressed the crowd under a blue sky on a warm early fall day and told stories of the family’s days occupying the apartment located right in the jail building and of life experiences including being the first dispatchers for the Raton Police.
Speakers including Paul Kastler, Jim Segotta, Mickey Baker and Frank Ferri, told stories and anecdotes about the man who was Chief of the Raton Police Dept. from 1940 thru 1966. Bonahoom earned the respect of the City’s residents with his fair, but tough approach to law enforcement that showed his love for his country, his community and his job.
Officer John Valdez has been on a mission to learn as much as possible about the history of the department, and welcomes anyone who might have old photos or stories to share about the department, call him at the Raton Police Department 575-445-2704.
