Mayor Tim Keller Honors Animal Welfare Employee with One Albuquerque Award

January 11, 2019

Mayor Tim Keller today presented Officer Christopher Rael from the Animal Welfare Department with the One Albuquerque Award for going above and beyond to serve our community. Officer Rael stepped up for a group of kids in an Albuquerque neighborhood by collecting bikes and safety equipment to replace the broken bike they had.

“I’m grateful that we have Officer Rael on our city’s team, for stepping up and taking action when he saw a need in our community,” stated Mayor Keller. “Officer Rael’s actions are a real-life example of what One Albuquerque is all about. When we’re all looking out for each other, we can make Albuquerque a safer place for everyone.”

In August, Officer Rael responded to a call for service and while on scene, he was approached by several kids who lived in the nearby apartments. The kids were excited to show off their bicycle, which was missing some important parts, such a bicycle seat and one of the pedals. Jumping into action, Officer Rael rallied his friends, family, and neighbors to purchase and collect bikes of all sizes, as well as helmets and accessories. Officer Rael then took the bikes to the apartments and distributed them to the children there so they had fully-functioning bicycles and safety equipment to ride around their neighborhood.

The One Albuquerque Award is given to members of the community to celebrate their extraordinary efforts in making Albuquerque a safer and more inclusive place to live. The award aims to highlight the positive impact individuals can have on communities and call on others to think about ways they can help their neighbors and the city as a whole.

Anyone is welcome to nominate a member of the community for a One Albuquerque Award. Nominations can be submitted at cabq.gov/mayor/one-albuquerque-award.