The wrong-way driver whose vehicle crashed head-on into an ambulance on Interstate 25 in mid-December made headlines, but two Santa Fe Police officers who rushed to the scene deserve their own moment in the spotlight, believes Sgt. Kyle Zuments. Zuments nominated Officers Michael McCluskey and Paul Joye as the city's February employees of the month.

When the first call came in about a vehicle traveling the wrong way on I-25, the two officers were still working, despite being two hours past the end of their shift. Without hesitation, they jumped in a car and drove to the scene to assist.

When they arrived, other officers were at the wrong-way vehicle, so McCluskey and Joye found the ambulance, which was on its side with the driver, Vanessa Carrillo, trapped inside.

The two men used their hands to break the windshield, then climbed inside and assisted and comforted Carrillo until EMTs arrived. Then they insisted on going to the hospital and staying there as Carrillo was being treated.

In spite of uniforms covered with shards of glass and bits of glass in their hands, the officers expressed more concern for the injured ambulance driver than for themselves, Zuments said. The two remained at the hospital until they were relieved at 8 a.m., meaning Joye had worked for 24 hours and McCluskey for 18 hours straight.

"Officers Joye and McCluskey showed true valor, bravery and selflessness in their efforts to reach, aid and comfort Ms. Carrillo," Zuments said.

Staff members at the New Mexico Human Services Department's Child Support Enforcement Division also recently demonstrated their concern and support for Carrillo and her family. The division held a successful fundraiser to help with medical bills for Carrillo, a 19-year-old EMT volunteer with the La Cienega Fire Department. The Frito pie sale brought in more than $1,200.

The Human Services Department has earned national recognition for the success of its new Public Assistance Reporting Information System. The program is expected to result in an estimated $3.7 million in annual savings to the state by identifying and closing cases of clients who have moved out of state, according to HSD Inspector General Randy Scott.

Jennie Becerra is the latest employee of the month in the state Children, Youth and Families Department's Protective Services Division. Becerra, an investigations worker, is known as a "hard worker who consistently strives for excellence" and a "strong advocate for the children and families her office serves." Watch for more CYFD top employees coming soon.