Monte Vista Police Department

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Monte Vista Police Department Our mission is to provide professional law enforcement services to the citizens of Monte Vista.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:October 19, 2026Monte Vista Police Department Celebrates Successful First Costumes with a Cop Even...
10/19/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 19, 2026
Monte Vista Police Department Celebrates Successful First Costumes with a Cop Event

On behalf of the Monte Vista Police Department, I want to thank our community for making our first annual Costumes with a Cop event on Saturday, October 17, such a success!
In just two hours, we distributed more than 180 Halloween costumes and masks to children in our community. But what made the day special was seeing so many families enjoying themselves, children excited about their costumes, and our officers and staff having the opportunity to interact with everyone in a fun and welcoming environment.

Thank You to Those Who Made It Possible
I want to sincerely thank the LOR Foundation for its generous support in making this event possible. A special thank-you to Ivette Atencio for her assistance and partnership in helping bring this program to Monte Vista.
I also want to personally recognize Irene Arellano, Records Manager, and Michelle Ingham, Records Specialist, for their outstanding work organizing this event. They spent countless hours gathering costumes, coordinating supplies, decorating, and making sure everything was ready for our families. Their dedication and commitment to this community made this event possible, and I couldn't be more appreciative of their efforts.
To our sworn officers and professional staff who participated, thank you for being part of this event and making it such a positive experience for our families. Your involvement reflects the kind of Police Department we are working to build.
And most importantly, thank you to the children and families who came out and spent part of their Saturday with us. We enjoyed having you at our Police Department and hope you had as much fun as we did!

Thanks to our community for making Costumes with a Cop such a success!
10/19/2026

Thanks to our community for making Costumes with a Cop such a success!

Tomorrow is the day! We are ready for you!
10/16/2026

Tomorrow is the day! We are ready for you!

Come and join your Superhero police officers for a fun filled day of Costumes with a Cop. October 17, 2026
10/14/2026

Come and join your Superhero police officers for a fun filled day of Costumes with a Cop. October 17, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDate: October 8, 2026Subject: COSTUMES WITH A COP: WE'RE GETTING READY FOR YOU, MONTE VISTA!MONTE V...
10/08/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 8, 2026
Subject: COSTUMES WITH A COP: WE'RE GETTING READY FOR YOU, MONTE VISTA!

MONTE VISTA, Colo. - The costumes are arriving, preparations are underway, and we're excited to welcome
Monte Vista children and families to our first Costumes with a Cop event!
On Saturday, October 17, the Monte Vista Police Department invites families to stop by, meet our officers, and let the kids pick out a Halloween costume free of charge.

This event is about more than costumes. It's another opportunity to bring our community together, build positive relationships with our children, and enjoy some Halloween fun along the way.

Here's what you need to know:
Saturday, October 17, 2026
9:00 a.m. - Noon, or until costumes are gone
Monte Vista Police Department
95 W. 1st Ave., Monte Vista
Pre-K through 8th Grade

One free costume per child. Children must be present, and costumes are available while supplies last. Light refreshments will also be provided.

We appreciate the LOR Foundation for partnering with us to help make this event possible.

Help us get the word out! Share this post, tell your friends and neighbors, and encourage Monte Vista families to come join us.

We look forward to seeing everyone on October 17!

For questions about the event, to donate a costume, or to learn about other ways to support Costumes with a Cop, please contact:

Irene Arellano, Records Manager
Michelle Ingham, Records Specialist
Monte Vista Police Department
719-852-1197

October 17, 2026 is a day you don't want to forget!
10/05/2026

October 17, 2026 is a day you don't want to forget!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDate: September 28, 2026Subject: Monte Vista Police Department Announces “Costumes with a Cop” Free...
09/29/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 28, 2026
Subject: Monte Vista Police Department Announces “Costumes with a Cop”
Free Halloween Costumes for Monte Vista Children

MONTE VISTA, Colo. - On behalf of the Monte Vista Police Department, I am excited to announce our first Costumes
with a Cop, a community event made possible through our partnership with the LOR Foundation.

The event will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., or until all costumes are gone, at the Monte Vista Police Department, 95 W. 1st Avenue.

Children Pre-K through 8th Grade will have the opportunity to visit the Police Department, meet our officers, and select a Halloween costume free of charge. Children must be present to receive a costume, with one costume available per child while supplies last. Snacks will also be available.

Costumes with a Cop is about more than providing Halloween costumes. It is another opportunity for our officers to connect with children and families in a positive setting and continue strengthening the relationships between our Police Department and the community we serve.

As Chief of Police, one of my priorities is to continue creating opportunities that bring our officers and community together outside of calls for service and enforcement situations. We want our children to know their police officers, feel comfortable talking with them, and recognize that our officers are members of this community who are here to serve them.

We are grateful to the LOR Foundation for partnering with us and helping make this event possible. Their support has provided us an opportunity to get this program started, and our hope is to build upon that foundation and make Costumes with a Cop an annual Monte Vista tradition.

Community Support
We also invite our community to be part of the program. The Department is accepting donations of new or gently used
Halloween costumes in clean, good condition for children Pre-K through 8th Grade.

As we move forward, we hope to work with local businesses, churches, service organizations, schools, and community
members to help sustain and grow Costumes with a Cop in future years. It does not take one organization doing everything; it takes a community willing to work together for its kids.

For questions about the event, to donate a costume, or to learn about other ways to support Costumes with a Cop, please
contact:
Irene Arellano, Records Manager
Michelle Ingham, Records Specialist
Monte Vista Police Department
719-852-1197

We hope families will join us on October 17, meet our officers, and help us make our first Costumes with a Cop a positive and memorable event for Monte Vista's children.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDate: September 28, 2026Monte Vista Police Department Seeking Certified Police OfficersMONTE VISTA,...
09/29/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 28, 2026
Monte Vista Police Department Seeking Certified Police Officers
MONTE VISTA, Colo. - The Monte Vista Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer through October 18, 2026.

As Chief of Police, I am looking for officers who bring sound judgment, integrity, and a strong commitment to serving others. In a department our size, your work matters every day. You will respond to calls for service, investigate crimes, work alongside your fellow officers, and build relationships with the people who call Monte Vista home.

We are continuing to strengthen our department through clear standards, accountability, teamwork, and professional evelopment. We welcome applications from officers who want to contribute to that work and help shape the future of policing in Monte Vista.

Applicants must hold current Colorado POST certification or, if certified as a peace officer in another state, obtain Colorado POST certification before the date of hire. The starting salary range is $52,665.60 to $58,032 annually, plus the City’s full benefits package.

The full announcement, qualifications, and City employment application are available at montevista.gov/employment. Please submit completed applications by October 18, 2026.
If you have questions about the position or our department, please get in touch with me at (719) 852-6161. or https://www.montevista.gov/employment

Charles Schoepflin
Chief of Police
Monte Vista Police Department

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: September 21, 2026Subject: City of Monte Vista Lifts Emergency Fire Ban MONTE VISTA, Colo. –...
09/21/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 21, 2026
Subject: City of Monte Vista Lifts Emergency Fire Ban

MONTE VISTA, Colo. – The Monte Vista Police Department has lifted the Emergency Fire Ban previously issued for the City of Monte Vista, effective immediately.

The Emergency Fire Ban was originally issued on June 25, 2026, in response to elevated wildfire danger, critically dry vegetation and fuels, weather conditions, and regional fire restrictions affecting the San Luis Valley.

Since that time, conditions have improved. Rio Grande County rescinded its Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective September 1, 2026, based on improved fire conditions, current and forecasted weather, and consultation with federal, state, and local agency partners. Cooler seasonal temperatures and recent moisture have also reduced the immediate wildfire danger in Monte Vista and the surrounding region.

After reviewing these conditions, Chief of Police Charles Schoepflin has determined that the City's additional emergency restrictions are no longer necessary at this time.

While the Emergency Fire Ban has been lifted, this does not mean that the risk of fire has been eliminated. Portions of the San Luis Valley remain dry, and vegetation and natural fuels can still support fire. Residents and visitors are encouraged to continue exercising caution with lawful outdoor fires, equipment that may produce sparks or heat, and other potential ignition sources.

Existing Burning Restrictions Remain in Effect
Lifting the Emergency Fire Ban does not eliminate existing City ordinances regulating outdoor burning. Monte Vista Municipal Code § 5-1-30(15)(b) regulates the burning of rubbish, garbage or junk, grass, brush, shrubs, limbs, and weeds on property within the City.

Residents should not interpret the lifting of the Emergency Fire Ban as authorization to burn materials otherwise prohibited or regulated by the Monte Vista Municipal Code.

Fireworks Regulations Remain in Effect The lifting of the Emergency Fire Ban does not make otherwise prohibited fireworks legal within the City of Monte Vista.

The City's existing fireworks regulations under Article 12 of the Monte Vista Municipal Code remain in effect. City ordinances continue to regulate the possession, sale, use, and discharge of fireworks within Monte Vista. Prohibited fireworks remain subject to enforcement, and fireworks held or stored in violation of City ordinance may be seized by the Monte Vista Police Department.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with applicable City ordinances before possessing, selling, using, or discharging fireworks within the City.

"The recent moisture and cooler temperatures have improved conditions enough that the additional emergency restrictions are no longer necessary," said Chief Charles Schoepflin. "However, we remain in a dry environment, and everyone still has a responsibility to use good judgment and take reasonable precautions to prevent human-caused fires. Lifting the fire ban does not mean we should become less careful about protecting our community and natural resources."

Residents are encouraged to never leave a lawful outdoor fire unattended, completely extinguish fires before leaving the area, and avoid lawful burning or other fire-producing activities during high winds, Red Flag Warnings, or unusually dry conditions.

The Monte Vista Police Department will continue working with the Monte Vista Fire Department, Rio Grande County Sheriff's Office, and regional public safety partners to monitor conditions. If conditions deteriorate and wildfire danger again threatens the community, emergency restrictions may be reinstated as authorized by Monte Vista Municipal Code § 8-7-110.

Report uncontrolled fires or smoke that may indicate a wildfire immediately by calling 911.

For questions about lifting the Emergency Fire Ban or the City's applicable burning and fireworks regulations, contact the Monte Vista Police Department at (719) 852-6161.

Please also see attached:
RESCINDING EMERGENCY FIRE BAN DECLARATION

09/18/2026

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCMENT

Address

95 W. 1st Avenue
Monte Vista, CO
81144

Telephone

+17198525111

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