LAPD NEWS RELEASE
The Los Alamos Police Department is honoring the careers and service of three respected veteran officers whose retirements mark the end of decades of dedicated law enforcement service to the citizens of Los Alamos and communities across New Mexico.
Sergeant Eric Wilhoit, Corporal Robert Larsen, and Corporal Gilbert Padilla each retired during the month of May, with all three departures occurring within approximately one week of one another. While retirements represent a significant transition for the department, recent recruitment and hiring efforts have helped the agency to continue delivering uninterrupted public safety services to the community.
“These officers each brought unique talents, leadership, and professionalism to our department,” Deputy Chief James Rodriguez said. “Their impact on this agency and this community will continue long after their retirements. The Los Alamos Police Department is grateful for their years of service and wishes them and their families the very best in the next chapter of their lives.”
LAPD Sgt. Eric Wilhoit/Courtesy photo
Sergeant Eric Wilhoit
Sergeant Eric Wilhoit announced his retirement from the Los Alamos Police Department, concluding a distinguished career that began on January 28, 2008. His final day worked was May 27, 2026, with his official retirement date set for January 31, 2027.
Wilhoit joined the department following a recommendation from former Deputy Chief Oliver Morris, his former classmate at San Diego State University. After a hiring freeze within the fire service altered his original career plans, he transitioned into law enforcement and quickly became a valued member of the department.
Throughout his career, Sergeant Wilhoit served numerous specialized assignments, including the Crisis Negotiations Team, School Resource Officer, Drone Operator, Field Training Officer, and Crash Team Investigator, where he specialized in the FARO system and crash reconstruction.
Sergeant Wilhoit earned a reputation for professionalism, technical expertise, and mentorship,
helping guide and develop younger officers throughout his tenure.
“The Los Alamos Police Department was a fantastic place to work, and the community provided a wonderful environment to raise our two sons,” Wilhoit said. “My wife and I are looking forward to our next chapter in California.”
LAPD Cpl. Robert Larsen/Courtesy photo
Corporal Robert Larsen
After 20 years of distinguished law enforcement service in New Mexico, Corporal Robert Larsen officially retired from the Los Alamos Police Department on May 28, 2026.
Larsen began his law enforcement career with the New Mexico State Police in 2005 after graduating as the All-Around Recruit from the NMSP 74th Recruit Class. He served the Española area for eight years while also taking on specialized responsibilities as a District Emergency Response Officer and member of the NMSP Tactical Team. During his third year of service, Larsen earned a position on the tactical team and later became part of the agency’s first full-time tactical unit.
Over the course of his career, Larsen earned instructor certifications in firearms, active shooter response, master rappelling, and officer survival.
In 2013, Larsen joined the Los Alamos Police Department to serve his home community and prioritize family life. During his tenure with LAPD, he founded and developed the department’s first Tactical Team, authored its standard operating procedures, and served as Team Leader for more than eight years.
Larsen also played an important role in statewide law enforcement training, assisting the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy annually with firearms and officer survival instruction for recruits. He earned advanced certifications as a Master Firearms Instructor, Shoot House Instructor, and Less-Lethal Instructor.
Much of Larsen’s LAPD career was spent working the D-Team graveyard shift, a schedule he
maintained for 11 years while raising his two daughters. He concluded his career as a member of LAPD’s highly successful first Traffic Unit.
“The Los Alamos Tactical Team will always be my highest achievement in my 20-year career,” Larsen said. “I will always look back at the day I was hired as a gift from God. It is with great respect and joy that I announce my retirement.”
LAPD Cpl. Gilbert Padilla/Courtesy photo
Corporal Gilbert Padilla
Corporal Gilbert Padilla retired from the Los Alamos Police Department effective May 23, 2026, concluding a respected law enforcement career that began in 2004 with the Socorro Police Department.
Throughout his career, Padilla also served with New Mexico Tech Campus Police and the Socorro County Sheriff’s Office before joining the Los Alamos Police Department in March
2023.
His extensive background in patrol operations and criminal investigations, combined with numerous professional certifications, particularly as a firearms instructor, made him a versatile and dependable asset throughout his law enforcement career.
“I look forward to spending more time with my wife, my three children, and my grandchildren,” Padilla said. “All three of my children followed me into public safety careers, which makes me especially proud.”
The Los Alamos Police Department thanks Sergeant Wilhoit, Corporal Larsen, and Corporal
Padilla for their years of dedication, sacrifice, and service to the community.
For more information contact the Los Alamos Police Department at (505) 662-8222.