Jeff Arbogast’s police work rarely ceased after his shift ended, and his pride in the Albuquerque Police Department was one of the defining aspects of his life.
Arbogast, 56, died suddenly after a heart attack on Sept. 10.
The former homicide detective and public information officer for APD spent 27 years on the force. During that time he helped solve murders and establish an APD museum, now at police headquarters Downtown.
APD Chief Ray Schultz said he appreciated Arbogast’s work collecting police memorabilia.
“He worked hard to reconstruct APD’s proud 130-year history. He researched information about APD through news accounts and police records. His personal relationships with both Paul Shaver and Bob Stover contributed greatly to the success of the museum,” Schultz said, referring to two past APD chiefs.
Arbogast’s friend, Mike Trompak, said Arbogast was a history buff who loved police and Old West memorabilia.
Trompak said he and Arbogast were, at one time, part of the New Mexico Gunfighters Association, a theatrical group that re-enacts Old West scenes. Arbogast went by the name “Woodrow” after the character Woodrow Call in the novel “Lonesome Dove.”
“Through that organization, we got a number of different movie parts, just as extras in the background and things like that,” Trompak said. “That was fun.”
But Arbogast’s true passion was the history of APD.
“He was able to find a lot of old uniforms, photographs, badges and various things,” Trompak said.
Arbogast also bought and restored a late 1960s Harley-Davidson motorcycle that was used by APD. He would take it to special events to show off.
Arbogast’s father was an APD officer, as is his son, Michael Arbogast.
“The department was his life. He was so proud of being an APD officer and really enjoyed the history and everything that came along with APD,” Michael Arbogast said.
Michael Arbogast said his father always made it clear he wanted his son to succeed in the department on his own, but he still was happy to give tips and advice to the young officer.
“When I was getting ready for one of my first court cases, he spent a couple of hours instructing me how to talk to a jury,” Michael Arbogast said.
Jeff Arbogast’s daughter, Chelsea Arbogast, said her father was a family man who really enjoyed his kids.
“He was a very loving father. He was strict at the same time, and expected a lot out of us, which I very much appreciate now. He loved being a father and I think it carried on to us,” she said.
She said her dad was also a pilot who had his own biplane, although he got rid of it after his kids were born.
He also had two Chihuahuas, Lucy and Charlie, on whom he doted.
Arbogast’s kids said their father should be remembered for his years of service and his kind personality. “All he knew was to be a police officer and be a part of the community,” Chelsea Arbogast said.
— This article appeared on page C3 of the Albuquerque Journal
Reprint story -- Email the reporter at jrodriguez@abqjournal.com.
