Eddy County DWI Program Director Cindy Sharif retires after 25 years

Cindy Sharif is retiring as Eddy County DWI Program Director Aug. 31 after 25 years of leading efforts to stop intoxicated drivers in the county.

In addition to working for Eddy County, Sharif spent five years with the New Mexico Corrections Department and the New Mexico Department of Human Services.

She said thoughts of retirement have been on her mind for years and after taking an extended leave at the end of August will retire.

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“I have a wonderful staff at the DWI Program and they are able to carry on the mission without me, develop new programs and expand on the programs already in place,” she said.

Sharif said collaboration with Eddy County, the four municipalities, law enforcement and others was key to reducing the incidence of drunk and intoxicated drivers in Eddy County.

“DWI prevention education and awareness is paramount to public safety. We work diligently to keep the issue in the public eye,” she said.

Sharif said two programs enacted after her arrival in 1998 have had a lasting impact on the DWI Program.

“The Roadway Cleanup Community Service Program was implemented in 1999 and remains operational today. Community Service workers remove on average 2,000 pounds of trash from the streets and highways in Eddy County each weekend,” she said.

Sharif said a DWI Memorial Sign Program enacted in 2002 remains as an active partnership between the DWI Program and the Eddy County Public Works Department.

“It began as a (New Mexico) Department of Transportation (NMDOT) Program and they allowed us to modify the program to include a picture of the victim on their DWI Memorial Sign. The Carlsbad and Artesia highway departments and their employees were instrumental in working with us on this program. None of the victims were drunk drivers they were all killed by drunk drivers. The state discontinued the program in 2017,” she said.

Sharif said the Eddy County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to continue with the memorial’s after NMDOT canceled the program.

She said the DWI Program received money from the New Mexico Legislature to help the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office to purchase equipment for its traffic crash unit.

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Sharif added the DWI Program has assisted the Carlsbad Police Department, Artesia Police Department, Eddy County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico State Police and Loving Police Department with sobriety checkpoints.

Artesia Police Cmdr. Pete Quinones said Sharif was usually the first to help law enforcement with DWI operations anywhere in Eddy County.

"Cindy has had such a significant impact on the lives of Eddy County residents for decades," said Eddy County Sheriff Mark Cage.

"Her tireless efforts to prevent DWI injuries and deaths while educating the public are legendary. Her legacy will remain for generations to come."

Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway said Sharif devoted many decades of her professional career combating drunk and intoxicated driving and increased awareness of the dangers of drunk driving.

“We know she was successful in saving lives and in making a difference and we appreciate all of her dedication and hard work toward this very worthwhile effort,” he said.

Eddy County Manager Roberta Gonzales said she worked with Sharif for nine years.

“I can tell you she runs the DWI program with her whole heart. She truly loves her job and has always strived to make a difference in the community. Never wanting any recognition for the wonderful work she does, but always going the extra steps to ensure the program continues to grow and evolve,” she said.

Sharif said a potential replacement would be determined by Eddy County and she will continue to remain active in curbing DWI along pursuing other interests.

“I plan to learn to play the piano and learn to speak a second language. I will keep my counseling license active and take continuing education courses. I also plan to travel,” she said.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Eddy County DWI Program Director Cindy Sharif retires