ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The Albuquerque Police Department has been actively working to expand its recruitment efforts with its initiative – the "pre-academy" program.

Officer Anthony Pugh is one of the department's newest officers. At 21 years old, Pugh began his journey with the department at the age of 19. He was initially unsure about his future plans. "I didn't know I was going to do this technically. Originally, I was going to school. When I was in school, I was just like, man, I'm meant for something more," said Pugh.

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Before joining the academy

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