John M. Francis is a native New Mexican and a 20 year veteran of the Rio Rancho Department of Public Safety. He started his career in emergency services right after finishing high school in Albuquerque, NM

John began his career as a Firefighter/EMT prior to becoming a full-time salaried law enforcement officer. John was a member of the New Mexico Mounted Patrol (a reserve component of the NM State Police). He also worked with the Lea County Airport Police as a Crash Rescue Firefighter/Officer prior to joining Rio Rancho DPS.

Initially, John was assigned to the Patrol Division. Other assignments included: Bicycle Patrol, D.A.R.E/G.R.E.A.T. Officer, Criminal Investigations and Public Information Officer. John is an accredited law enforcement instructor in the areas of Narcotics, Gangs, Background Investigations, General Police and Public Information. He is currently assigned as the Public Information Officer for the Department of Public Safety for the Rio Rancho DPS. He has experience working with local, national and international media.

Francis was featured on America’s Most Wanted for the capture of fugitive # 397 and has also appeared on Unsolved Mysteries. He is well known among New Mexico Media and is often called upon to give expert opinions on law enforcement matters. John’s hobbies include, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, swimming and acting.

His film credits include well known movies such as: The Longest Yard, Astronaut Farmer, Three Wise Guys and a host of other independent and big budget films. He has also appeared in all four seasons of the ABC Family series “Wildfire.” John has also participated in several Traffic Safety Bureau Videos.

He was recently appointed to the NM Lottery Authority Board of Directors by Governor Bill Richardson. John brings a wealth of knowledge to the Public Information Field as he has been involved in Emergency Services for over 27 years.