The Cortez Police Department sends its warmest congratulations to Dispatcher Jay Dollar, who will soon be stepping into an exciting new role as the first-ever Lead Park Ranger for the City of Cortez Parks and Recreation Department! Jay’s new position will be a key liaison between the Cortez Parks and Recreation Department and the Police Department. 

Jay started with the CPD in August 2022 as a dispatcher. His emergency services journey began in 2010 when he worked for the Farmington Fire Department in New Mexico. He was the Supervisor of the Alternative Response Unit with specialized training in emergency medical services (NREMT), structure and wildland firefighting, de-escalation, leadership, and critical incident stress debriefing. He was most recently elected to serve as a Director on the Cortez Fire Prevention District's Board of Directors.
 
He was born and raised in Farmington, New Mexico where his dad was a sergeant with the San Juan County Sheriff's Office. "I got into emergency services to follow in my dad's footsteps and to give back to the community that raised me."  Jay moved to Cortez to be closer to his extended family. 

Jay was on the phones in dispatch the day that Sgt. Michael Moran was killed.  
 "I will always remember the outpouring of love and support when Mike was killed. The number of agencies, individuals, and companies that called us, emailed us, visited us, and left donations/gifts was truly heartwarming. Also, the family that was built behind that tragedy within the PD itself is unforgettable." Jay was honored with the Chief's Certificate of Commendation for his actions and service on that day.  The ceremony was held in January 2025 and can be viewed on Youtube. (https://www.youtube.com/live/J5RqzvmZW8Y?si=PmTCHiP1TyFLhgpE)

The best thing about moving to this new position is being able to be outside again as well as being able to bring my knowledge and expertise of building a program to supplement many different agencies to better operations of a city government.
Jay, thank you for your commitment and service.

-your family at the Cortez Police Department 💙