McKinley County

McKinley County was created in 1901 and named for President William McKinley. Its population is approximately 74,923 with a total area of 5,455 square miles.

Over three-quarters of its population are Native American with residents from the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni tribes. The county seat is the Gallup, the most populous city between Flagstaff and Albuquerque along the historic U.S. Route 66.

Gallup is known as the “Heart of Indian Country” because it is on the edge of the Navajo reservation. As one of the oldest towns in the U.S., Gallup’s population can be traced back to 2500 BC with the settlement of the Anasazi in Canyon de Chelly. As a railhead for the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad that brought increased trading to the area, Gallup was then founded in 1881. In 1937, the El Rancho Hotel became the temporary home for many Hollywood stars as well as a stopping point for tourists driving on old Route 66. Because of the nearby rugged terrain, it was a popular location in the 1940’s and 1950’s to film Hollywood westerns.

Upcoming Events

Nov
12
Wed
2025
BASIC Peer Support Training for First Responders (2 day) @ PSPG, 8341 Washington St. NE., Albq., NM
Nov 12 @ 8:00 am – Nov 13 @ 5:00 pm

Description

This four-day course is designed to be interactive with live scenario situations.  It is focused on teaching public safety personnel the art of peer support. Participants will gain crucial knowledge about communication skills and techniques that are effective in supportively working with people to gain a mutually beneficial outcome.  Participants will also learn to address people in crisis in a manner that reduces tension and the possibility for physical injury to anyone involved. This course is accredited by the NMLEA.  See attached flyer for more details.

https://www.nmcounties.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Basic-Peer-Support-November-2025.pdf

RSVP

 

Nov
17
Mon
2025
CIT – 40 hour Crisis Intervention Training @ PSPG, 8341 Washington St. NE. Albq., NM
Nov 17 @ 8:00 am – Nov 21 @ 5:00 pm

Description

This 40-hour training provides verbal de-escalation, crisis intervention, and mental health awareness training.  It is intended for Sheriff Deputies, Detention Staff. Firefighter and Emergency Medical First Responders. Course is free to NMC Law Enforcement Pool members.  Non-pool members may inquire about attending (based on availability) for a fee.  See attached flyer for more details.

https://www.nmcounties.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CIT-Albuquerque-November-2025.pdf

 

RSVP

 

Nov
19
Wed
2025
INSTRUCTOR UPDATE ONE DAY COURSE @ Jake Lopez Building, 705 East Lime, Portales, NM
Nov 19 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

This one-day course is designed to refresh the general instructor. We will discuss some of the basics and talk about some new ideas. This is a state accredited course that is required every four years. Although this is a required course we see no reason it can’t be a great time to make new connections and get yourself updated as you continue to educate others.
Course is free to NMC law enforcement insurance pool members. Non-members may inquire about attending (pending availability) for a fee. Course detail in attached flyer.

https://www.nmcounties.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/TRAINING-FOR-TRAINERS-Las-Cruces-Sept.-2025.docx

RSVP

Employment Opportunities