Cmdr. Daniel Roberts has retired from the Los Alamos Police Department following 16 years of service. Courtesy photo
Cmdr. Daniel Roberts in his signature LAPD green vehicle in February 2026. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Cmdr. Daniel Roberts on retirement day, March 2, 2026 at the Los Alamos Police Department. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com
Men and women throughout the United States have chosen to serve in the military and then move on to long and successful careers in law enforcement. Choosing to devote themselves to the safety and peace of both their home community and their nation, some of enter the world of law enforcement them continue to serve in the National Guard and local law enforcement simultaneously and as they advance in both entities, they are truly living a life of “protecting and serving”.
On March 2, Los Alamos Police Department Cmdr. Daniel Roberts said goodbye to his law enforcement colleagues after 16 years of service. On April 1, LTC Roberts will begin his new, full-time New Mexico National Guard assignment as the Administrative Officer for the 515th Regimental Training Institute, located at the Oñate Complex in Santa Fe.
Over the last 10 years of interacting with Roberts, the Reporter has come to respect and admire his consistent track record of excellence, ethics, reliability and trust in both areas of his life as well as the drive is takes to works towards becoming a police commander and a military lieutenant colonel at a relatively young age. a while she is proud of Roberts’ accomplishments and grateful for his friendship, the letter below from his father, Jeff Roberts and step-mom Laurel shows true pride:
“As parents of Daniel, watching him succeed has been a blessing. We have seen him push himself to levels beyond our greatest expectations. When Daniel was a senior at Los Alamos high School, the terrible events of September 11, 2001 took place. He expressed the personal drive and ambition to serve his country. He made the choice to forgo a scholarship to play Division 2 football and enlist in the United States Army after graduation. While obviously we had great concern, we were so proud of the personal commitment to serve that he was making;
“Daniel excelled in the Army, achieving multiple awards and distinctions. During his stint overseas as a Black Hawk crew chief and training officer, his superior officers decided to put him in an officer training program referred to as “green to gold”. He was transferred to the University of New Mexico to compete his education. Wanting to continue to serve the community, he majored in Criminal Justice at UNM.
After finishing his degree in 2010, Daniel challenged himself with a dual role: the New Mexico National Guard and the Los Alamos Police Department. As his parents, we have been impressed with him throughout his journey. He continued his education earning two advanced degrees, along with many other certifications and graduation from the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA.
“As his father and step-mom we are so proud to call him our son; a man of real integrity and willingness to serve. We wish him well in his new full-time position at the Guard.
“We would like to thank the members of the Los Alamos community, and Maire O’Neill for the positive feedback we’ve have received concerning Daniel’s position at LAPD.“
Cmdr. Daniel Roberts with his family during his swearing in as a Los Alamos Police Department commander Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Osiris Kim Roberts pins husband Cmdr. Daniel Roberts during his swearing in ceremony at the Los Alamos Magistrate Courtroom. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
On Monday, March 2, 2026, his last day at LAPD, the following letter was placed in his personnel file:
“(Commander Eoberts’) retirement marks the conclusion of an exceptional career defined by unwavering integrity, uncompromising standards, and a steadfast commitment to service above self.
“Commander Roberts began his law enforcement career with the Los Alamos Police Department in 2010, graduating as valedictorian of his academy class—an early indicator of the excellence that would define his career. From Patrol Officer to Detective, Sergeant, Operations Commander, and ultimately Professional Standards Commander, he consistently set the benchmark for performance, accountability, and leadership. Those who worked alongside him always knew where they stood. His expectations were clear, his principles firm, and his decisions grounded in fairness and ethics.
“As a Sergeant, Commander Roberts led the department through its first CALEA accreditation, establishing a culture of policy compliance and professional excellence that continues today. Under his leadership, the department achieved remarkable inspection success, including eight of nine CALEA inspections with 100% compliance since 2016. He personally maintained a 100% compliance record across seven inspections—an extraordinary accomplishment reflecting his meticulous standards and dedication to organizational integrity.
Then Sgt. Daniel Roberts smiles when teased about the bright green plastic ‘firearm’ used during active shooter training for County staff in Council Chambers at the Municipal Building. Photo by Maire O’Neill
Then Sgt, Daniel Roberts, right, and then Sgt. Chris Ross review paperwork following an active shooter exercise they conducted at the Municipal Building. Photo by Maire O’Neill
“Throughout his tenure, Commander Roberts championed growth—both institutional and individual. He established the department’s first Hostage Negotiations Team after earning international certification and partnered with Los Alamos National Laboratory to implement active-shooter training. He launched the department’s first employee fitness program and oversaw the development of fitness facilities, reinforcing his belief that readiness and wellness are essential to professional excellence. He also led the department to its first NIBRS certification. His commitment to lifelong learning was evident through his graduation from the Northwestern Police Staff and Command College in 2018 and the FBI National Academy in 2023.
Cmdr. Daniel Roberts graduates from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA in 2023. Courtesy photo
Scene from Cmdr. Daniel Roberts graduation from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA in 2023. Courtesy photo
Cmdr. Daniel Roberts with his wife Kim and son Owen at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA in 2023. Courtesy photo
“Commander Roberts’ leadership style demanded excellence but fostered growth. He held himself to the highest standards and expected the same of others—not to limit them, but to elevate them. Many officers under his supervision developed into confident, capable leaders because he provided clear direction, honest feedback, and the space to grow. His legacy is reflected not only in policy manuals and accreditation certificates, but in the men and women he mentored.
Cmdr. Roberts carries the torch during the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Mexico. Courtesy photo
Cmdr. Daniel Robert, back row far right, joins his LAPD colleagues for a Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
“His dedication to service extends well beyond the department. Commander Roberts has volunteered with Special Olympics, Taos Feeds Taos, local nonprofit preschools, and the Española Light Parade. He also served six years as Treasurer and President of the Los Alamos Public Safety Association, advocating for his colleagues and strengthening the department’s internal community.
Cmdr. Daniel Roberts presents a special coin to then Col. Pia Romero, Director of Joint Staff for the New Mexico National Guard during a meeting of the Los Alamos Public Safety Association (LAPSA). At that time Roberts was a Major in the National Guard. Photo by Jenn Bartram
“In addition to his distinguished law enforcement career, Commander Roberts has served his nation honorably in both active-duty Army service and the New Mexico National Guard. Enlisting in 2003 as a UH-60 Black Hawk mechanic, he rose to Crew Chief and Flight Instructor before earning his commission through the Army’s Green-to-Gold program at the University of New Mexico. Today, he serves as a Lieutenant Colonel commanding the 111th Special Troops Battalion, leading more than 500 soldiers in support of the 111th Sustainment Brigade. His military leadership has been instrumental during wildfire responses, large-scale exercises, and historic flooding operations—further evidence of his lifelong commitment to protecting and serving others.
“Commander Roberts earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice, a Master’s degree in Public Administration Management, and a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education. His military education includes completion of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and numerous advanced operational courses—each achievement reinforcing his dedication to preparation and professional mastery.
Cmdr. Daniel Roberts and fellow LAPD officers debrief following a Fourth of July event in 2024. Courtesy photo
“At the core of Commander Roberts’ career has been an unshakable moral compass. He stood firm when standards mattered most. He chose the harder right over the easier wrong. He produced work of the highest quality, not for recognition, but because excellence was the only acceptable outcome. His integrity was not situational—it was constant.
“Los Alamos and its officers are stronger because of Commander Roberts’ leadership. The community is safer because of his vigilance. The department’s future is brighter because of the foundation he helped build.
“As he steps into retirement, we celebrate not only a remarkable career, but a life defined by service. Commander Roberts’ legacy will endure in the culture he shaped, the leaders he developed, and the community he faithfully served.
“Thank you, Commander Roberts, for your courage, your conviction, and your unwavering dedication. Your example will continue to inspire for years to come.”
Then National Guard Major Daniel Roberts speaks during a promotion ceremony. Between his U.S. Army and National Guard time, Roberts has 23 years of service. See Jugglehttps://losalamosreporter.com/2019/07/25/national-guard-major-daniel-roberts-juggles-military-and-police-careers/ Courtesy photo
Scene from August 2024 when Cmdr. Roberts was called to National Guard duty in Ruidoso. See https://losalamosreporter.com/2024/08/04/national-guard-officer-and-lapd-cmdr-daniel-roberts-called-to-duty-in-ruidoso-area-in-response-to-state-of-emergency/ Courtesy photo
Cmdr. Roberts, third from right at a crime scene in Los Alamos in January 2023. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Cmdr. Daniel Roberts, fourth from right, in April 2022 when LAPD received accreditation status from CALEA. Courtesy photo
Cmdr. Daniel Roberts during the May 2023 annual LAPD memorial ceremony for fallen officers. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Outside the Los Alamos Police Department in 2019. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Roberts as the emcee for the annual memorial ceremony for fallen police officers. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Scene from a Community Assets Awards ceremony in 2019 where then Sgt. Daniel Roberts, left, and then Sgt. Chris Ross were honored for their work on active shooter programs. They were nominated by Maire O’Neill. See https://losalamosreporter.com/2019/01/28/los-alamos-police-officers-receive-community-asset-awards/ Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com