SANTA FE – The New Mexico State Senate has confirmed former Rio Rancho Police Deputy Chief Jason Bowie as Department of Public Safety cabinet secretary.

Rio Rancho Police Chief Stewart Steele, left, pins a 25-year service pin on Deputy Police Chief Jason Bowie during the city governing body meeting in January 2020 at City Hall. Photo by Argen Marie Duncan.

“A lifelong member of law enforcement and a proven leader, Secretary Bowie is the right person to head this department,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in a press release Wednesday. “Public safety is a priority of this administration, and I know that under Secretary Bowie’s leadership, New Mexico will continue to employ every available tool to keep New Mexicans safe and support New Mexico law enforcement across the state.”

In the release, Bowie said his confirmation was an honor and he was humbled by the confidence from the governor and legislature.

“This opportunity continues my lifelong mission of public service,” he said. “I will work earnestly to provide the highest quality leadership and public safety services for the state of New Mexico, its law enforcement community and citizens.”

Lujan Grisham picked Bowie, a 27-year veteran of RRPD, as public safety secretary in late July. He was the RRPD deputy chief at the time.

He began serving shortly thereafter as the acting secretary, and the Senate confirmation makes his appointment official.