Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office promotes Matthew Volk to lieutenant; Harrison and Nieto advanced to sergeant

The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office promoted three deputies Thursday in a ceremony that included remarks from the newly promoted officers and attendance by family members.

Matthew Volk was promoted to the rank of lieutenant; he was joined by his wife, children and extended family. Volk told the gathering he felt "very blessed to be here" and thanked his family and colleagues for support during the promotional process. He noted he finished the promotional list with a cumulative score of 92.4 and described his service history in the office, which the presenter summarized as including patrol assignments across all three area commands, roles in field services and records management supervision, and service in the canine unit.

Deputy Vincent Harrison was promoted to sergeant. The ceremony noted Harrison began with the office in June 2014 and has worked in patrol, headquarters criminal investigations, a federal child‑exploitation and human‑trafficking task force and as a special weapons and tactics operator. Presenters cited his roles as a field training officer, use‑of‑force instructor and other specialty assignments; prior nominations and commendations read at the ceremony included a life‑saving award and letters of commendation related to task‑force investigations that led to rescues of minor victims.

Deputy Natasha Nieto was also promoted to sergeant. The presenter said Nieto joined the office in June 2015 and has worked in violent crimes, homicide, field services and criminal investigations, and has held instructor and investigator roles. Major Anderson pinned Nieto's badge and Nieto thanked the command staff and family in brief remarks, acknowledging violent‑crimes colleagues who supported her development.

Sheriff John Allen was not present at the ceremony after falling ill following travel to Washington, D.C.; ceremony staff said he "was here in spirit." Major and undersheriff staff participated in pinning and remarks.

Clarifying details: the promotions were ceremonial appointments announced at the event; the transcript records the promotional outcomes and acceptance remarks but does not record a formal board vote or ordinance. Family members and colleagues were present for pinning and photographs. The ceremony included explicit thanks to unit supervisors, specialty team members and task forces that supported the promoted deputies' careers.