Albuquerque Public Schools
APD Officer Honored for Inspiring Inez Students
APD Officer Kiel Higgins was recognized by the Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte for his impactful work with APS first graders.
When Officer Kiel Higgins steps into a classroom at Inez Science & Technology Magnet School, the room lights up with curiosity. For two years, the Albuquerque Police Department Community Outreach Officer has been a regular, welcome presence for Inez first graders—teaching them about the daily work of law enforcement through custom-built lessons centered on kindness, citizenship and service.
Officer Higgins designed the unique curriculum himself, blending hands-on activities, thematic picture book read-alouds, and writing projects with open, relationship-building conversations. From breaking down the parts and purposes of his uniform to guiding young learners in building positive peer-to-peer relationships, his visits extend far beyond standard safety presentations. They foster trust and inspire strong community values early in students' lives.
That dedication recently earned Officer Higgins the Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte's Officer of the Month Award for August. Nominated by the APD Chief of Police, Higgins was presented with the honor and a special gift from the club as part of a long-standing initiative overseen by Del Norte Rotary member and New Mexico Bank & Trust Vice President Mark Rudolph.
The partnership comes full circle through Inez’s Community School Impact Coordinator Rachelle Ford, who is also a member of the Del Norte Rotary Club. Having witnessed firsthand the positive culture Officer Higgins fosters with Inez elementary students, Ford highlighted the vital bridge his work creates among local law enforcement, community organizations and APS.
Through thoughtful collaborations like this, the Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte, APD and Inez Elementary continue to demonstrate how dedicated community partnerships help nurture compassionate, engaged young citizens across APS.