EL PASO DEPUTY, DOG ARE STATE'S BEST TEAM

The Texas Narcotics Officers Association has recognized El Paso County
Deputy Louis Almonte and his narcotic detector dog, Blackjack, as Narcotic
Detector Dog Team of the Year.

During fiscal year 2001, which began Oct. 1, 2000, Almonte and Blackjack
seized 21,200 pounds of marijuana and 7,706 grams of cocaine, and were
responsible for 72 felony arrests. They were also responsible for several
money seizures totaling $247,600, said Rick Glancey, spokesman for the El
Paso County Sheriff's Department.

Almonte, a 21-year veteran of the Sheriff's Department, became a dog
handler in 1987 and was assigned to the El Paso County Metro Narcotic Task
Force in 1998. Almonte is the brother of El Paso Police Department Deputy
Chief Robert Almonte, longtime leader of the Police Department's narcotics
division, said Sgt. Al Velarde, spokesman for the Police Department.

"I'm humbled by the recognition," Almonte said. "Blackjack and I have a lot
in common; we like what we do. We just try and stop the drugs from reaching
the community."

When Almonte joined the task force, his first goal was to become acquainted
and train with his new black Labrador retriever. After continual training,
Almonte submitted a request for him and Blackjack to attend the National
Narcotics Detector Dog Association for certification in canine drug detection.

Almonte was presented an award Aug. 22 in Corpus Christi and attended a
local ceremony Friday before his co-workers.

"Deputy Louis Almonte and his partner Blackjack have brought great honor to
the El Paso County Sheriff's office," Sheriff Leo Samaniego said. "The best
in Texas. When you live in a state as big as Texas, an award like this
makes you proud of the people who work tirelessly to serve and protect El
Paso."