At a recent event celebrating the bravery and dedication of valley first responders, Buckeye Police Department's Detective Humberto Gomez was honored as Officer of the Year. The accolade was presented at the annual Police & Fire Prayer Breakfast, held this year on May 14 at Grand Canyon University arena, Buckeye's official website reports.
Detective Gomez, having managed complex cases with both a positive attitude and a strong work ethic, was recognized earlier as the 2024 Officer of the Year. In their nomination, colleagues emphasized not just his professional skills, but also the empathy he extends towards victims, offering support with a desire to truly help. Rising through the ranks, he finds himself newly assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division, where he assumes the responsibilities of managing cases that, given their complexity, demand a discerning eye.
The Police & Fire Prayer Breakfast is an annual tradition that acknowledges the contributions of a police officer and a firefighter from the valley. For this year's event, Gomez's commitment to service elevated him to be nominated and subsequently honored as the 2025 Officer of the Year.
Born and raised in the tight-knit community of Buckeye, Detective Gomez’s roots run deep within the city. Attending Buckeye Elementary School and graduating from Buckeye Union High School, he later furthered his education at Arizona State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology, becoming a part of the community as an experienced probation officer and detention officer in Maricopa County before joining the Buckeye police back in 2020. In a picture with his superiors, Cmdr. Gary McGeough and Chief Robert Sanders flanked the detective, celebrating his achievements, which testify to his enduring dedication to the community that shaped him.
