Mark Cage currently serves as the elected Sheriff of Eddy County. He was born in Lafayette, Louisiana and moved to New Mexico in 1973. He joined the United States Navy in 1983, then returned to New Mexico to begin his law enforcement career while continuing to serve in the Navy Reserve.
Mark was hired as an emergency dispatcher at the Portales Police Department in 1993, then obtained New Mexico Police Officer Certification while employed at the Eastern New Mexico University Police Department. He later returned to the Portales Police Department where he served as a uniformed patrolman, a detective/narcotics agent and then as a patrol sergeant. Mark then accepted a position at the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) where he served as a patrol deputy and supervising narcotics agent for the Region V Drug Task Force. During his tenure at the RCSO, he was assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for a sixth month operation with their Mobile Enforcement Team where he was formally recognized by the DEA for his outstanding efforts.
Mark later returned to the Portales Police Department where was quickly promoted back to patrol sergeant and later to Lieutenant/Patrol Commander. He then served as Interim Chief of Police prior to coming to Eddy County as Undersheriff. As Undersheriff, Mark spearheaded the restructure of the Detective Division as well revamping of the patrol schedules for better coverage of the county. He is in the process of developing a comprehensive training program to serve local law enforcement agencies at the new sheriff’s facility as well as a wellness program targeting overall fitness and health for sheriff’s office employees. As sheriff, Mark is committed to refocusing the sheriff’s office’s patrol and investigation efforts to serve the farm and ranch communities in a more effective manner.
Mark is a recognized expert in civilian and military law enforcement, counter-terrorism/narcotics enforcement, firearms and unarmed use of force as well as law enforcement administration and leadership. He maintains his instructor certifications in General Police Instruction, Firearms, and Defensive Tactics.
Mark retired from the United States Navy at the rank of Chief Petty Officer after receiving numerous accolades for excellence in leadership and outstanding performance. He is a veteran of the Cold War as well as Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom.
Mark earned his Associate Degree from Clovis Community College and his Bachelor Degree from Eastern New Mexico University as well as attending literally thousands of hours of civilian law enforcement and military training. He currently provides leadership and service on the following local, state and federal boards:
- High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Executive Board, former Chairman (federal)
- HIDTA Budget Subcommittee, former Chairman
- Chairman, Region VI Drug Task Force Executive Board (state)
- Chairman, Pecos Valley Drug Task Force Executive Board (local)
- Former President, Nana’s House Board of Directors
- Honorary Member, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Mark’s wife, Carolyn, is a local realtor with Means Real Estate. They have two sons who live locally, both are Carlsbad Police Officers. They have two daughters, one in Carlsbad and one in Portales as well as a son in Oklahoma. Mark and Carolyn have six grandchildren.