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Moses Gonzales retiring from Vail police

Moses Gonzales is retiring from the Vail Police Department after 14 years.
Special to the Daily |

VAIL — After 14 years with the Vail Police Department, officer Moses Gonzales is retiring effective today. Gonzales has been a code enforcement officer since 2001 and also served with the Vail Recreation District. He’s known for his community service efforts throughout the years, including:

• Organizing the annual county-wide Make a Difference Day food drive which has generated an estimated 1.2 million pounds to date;

• Organizing the Shop with a Cop program that allows more than 40 underprivileged children to go shopping for their families with a police officer;



• Serving as a Buddies program mentor and a member of the Resource Center Board of Directors where he has organized work parties at the Bright Future Foundation’s women’s shelter; and

• Actively participating in organizing the Eagle County Public Safety Memorial Service, Tip-A-Cop fundraiser and the Colorado Peace Officers Ski Race.

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A veteran of the U.S. Army, Gonzales serves as a board member of the Freedom Park Memorial Committee and has helped organize recent fundraisers for the memorial park and groundbreaking events. He recently received the Bronze Wreath of Meritorious Service award from the Vail Police Department for his demonstrated dedication, compassion and concern for the community as well as the Vail-Eagle Valley Rotary Club Public Service award. In 2005, Gonzales was one of 11 recipients of the Colorado Cares Volunteer Service Award presented by Gov. Bill Owens.

Vail Police Chief Dwight Henninger said the retirement of Gonzales will leave a big hole to fill in the organization, not only as an excellent representative on the streets of Vail as a code enforcement officer, but also his efforts to make the community a better place for all. “We in the Vail community want to thank Moses for all he has done to serve his community and country,” Henninger said.

In reflecting upon his years of service in Vail, Gonzales says it has been an honor to serve the community.

“My father passed along a message to me many years ago and I have tried to live it in every job I’ve had the privilege of doing: ‘The purpose of life is to matter, to count, to stand for something and to have it make some difference that we lived at all.’” Gonzales said. “I would like to thank my wife Cindy and my family for their love, support and encouragement. Thank you for allowing me to live my dream in this the greatest town and county in the world. We are all blessed.”

The department is hosting a public barbecue today to recognize Gonzales for his years of service. For details, call Henninger at 970-479-2218.


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