Mayor Diana Murillo confirmed Ordoñez’s departure after serving as the city’s longest-tenured police chief.

Organ Mountain News report

ANTHONY - Police Chief Vanessa Ordoñez will leave her position with the City of Anthony at the end of the year, Mayor Diana Murillo announced Dec. 19.

Ordoñez is the longest-serving police chief in the city’s history. She has led the Anthony Police Department for several years.

“From patrolling the streets of our community to serving as the longest-standing Police Chief in the City’s history, it has been an honor serving alongside Chief Ordoñez and witnessing her accomplishments firsthand,” Murillo said in a statement.

Ordoñez said she is proud of her time leading the department.

“This was an incredibly rewarding experience and one I am very proud of,” she said. “I’m grateful for the trust placed in me to lead and for the opportunity to serve our community.”

During her tenure, the department expanded its staffing, updated training and technology, and established new units, including a criminal investigations division and an honor guard. The city has credited Ordoñez with overseeing those changes and supporting federal immigration-related U-Visa cases.

Ordoñez said she plans to remain in public service after her departure.

“Moving forward, I will continue to serve our country and our community,” she said.

Murillo said the city will work with the police department to maintain operations during the transition while a successor is selected.