“This lowrider is a symbol of bringing the community together and can be a bridge between police and the people of our City,” said Southwest Area Commander Timothy Espinosa. “I want to thank our community partners and businesses that donated their time and work to this project.”

Those on hand and recognized at the car show and unveiling included Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina, Southwest Area Commander Tim Espinosa, Sargent Larry Middleton, and the PRT Team, City Council President Cynthia Borrego and Councilor Lan Sena, and County Commissioner Steven Michael Quezada. Also, numerous community partners and businesses that participated with the APD Youth Leadership Project, including representatives from Nusenda Credit Union, Robert Cardenas from Show Off Automotive, Robert Vanderslice who painted the lowrider, youth art competition winner Kalyn Flores, John Granger from MHQ that did the decal work and other equipment, and Lorenzo “House” Otero.

Numerous other community organizations and business provided parts and in-kind labor on the lowrider, including Blast Factory Paintworks, Top Auto Body Shop, King of the Streets Black Magic, TRSC Trailers, S & V Auto, Floyd’s Upholstery, West Central Community Development Group, O’Reilly’s, Auto Zone, Transtar, Fatty’s Custom, Baca’s Automotive, Johnny Peña, West Side Speech Academy, Frank Chavez, West Mesa High School, Loyal One’s Car Club, La Familia Car Club, Duke’s Car Club, Drifter’s Car Club, Rollerz Only Car Club, and John Traub from the Isotopes for partnering for Lowrider Night at Isotopes Park.

Funding for this project mostly came from community donations and in-kind services totaling over $60,000. The City contributed $35,000 from Councilor discretionary funds and Neighborhood Policing funding.