By: Christa Crawford Thompson
Throughout her more than 20-year law enforcement career, Lisa Brackeen’s journey is defined by a passion for learning and commitment to serving her community.
Now a senior instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) Artesia Training Delivery Point (TDP), Brackeen began her career with the Roswell, New Mexico (NM) Police Department (PD) in the Patrol Division. In this role she was a Field Investigator and a Training Officer. “My goal was always to be a Homicide Detective,” said Brackeen. “I competed for a position in the Criminal Investigations Division, where I worked for twelve years, with my last six years being a Homicide Detective.”
With the Roswell NM PD, she also worked Officer Involved Shootings and in-custody deaths. Later, Brackeen transferred to the Training Division where she recruited officers and did in-house training. Then Brackeen transferred to the Metro Narcotics Task Force where she was an Agent and was also a Task Force Officer for Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).“I had full authority as an ATF Task Force Officer since we had no ATF representative locally,” said Brackeen.
Going from the Roswell PD to the FLETC was a natural transition for Brackeen. “FLETC is a sought-out position for retired officers.” She seized the opportunity to impart her knowledge and expertise on the next generation of law enforcement professionals. “The thing I enjoy most about working at FLETC is teaching, and what we teach at FLETC will impact the students throughout their career,” stated Brackeen. She enjoys sharing her experiences as a law enforcement officer. Brackeen has real-life scenarios for almost every topic she teaches. Sharing experiences generates discussion and makes the information interesting and easier to comprehend for the students.
Brackeen enjoys witnessing the “light bulb” moments when students grasp concepts and apply them to real-world situations. “The classroom is where theory meets practice,” she remarks. Additionally, she takes pride in inspiring female students who aspire to follow in her footsteps. “Seeing more women pursue careers in law enforcement is incredibly gratifying,” she says.
It’s no surprise Brackeen earned numerous awards throughout her career. It was Brackeen’s unwavering resolve in the face of adversity that earned her the prestigious Medal of Valor. While working with the Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force, there was an officer involved shooting during a joint drug trafficking investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Brackeen and several team members received the medal for courage, actions, and personal safety for saving and protecting human life. To date, Brackeen is the sole female to receive this prestigious award.
Bracken has been married 23 years to her husband Eric who also served on the Roswell Police Department where he retired as Commander after 20 years. Brackeen shared, “It was a unique and joyful experience to work alongside of my husband for most of my career.” Brackeen and her husband powered through many challenges while working together. One of the hardest was when they both were called to duty and their family had to step in to help with their four sons, Jesse, Jonathan, Sean, and Luke.
Brackeen lives by the Maya Angelou quote, “You will face many defeats in your life, but never let yourself be defeated.” She views every day as an opportunity to make a difference. Whether it is in the classroom or out in the field, Brackeen is committed to ensuring students are successful.
