Last year, 35 Colorado fugitives out of the 50 most wanted by law enforcement officials were found and arrested. Saturday marked the beginning of this year’s effort to find even more.

“These are not taxpaying citizens working 9-to-5 jobs,” said Denver police Lt. Tony Lopez. “The sooner we get them arrested the better.”

The 15th annual event was hosted by the Denver Police Department and coordinated by the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers and Fugitive Location Apprehension Group, or FLAG, that collaborated with 15 local, state and federal agencies, including sheriff’s and police departments, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the Colorado Department of Corrections.

Beginning at 7 a.m. today, uniformed and plainclothes officers who have volunteered their time will start working to pursue people on the most-wanted list and are encouraging the public to call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 anytime because the hotline is always open.

Tipsters can remain anonymous and can receive up to a $2,000 reward, authorities said.

This year’s No. 1 fugitive is Heber Santiago Godoy, who is wanted in the 2009 death of one security guard and wounding of another at a Denver nightclub.

Authorities are also looking for people who are not on the 50 most-wanted list.

They’re looking to clear 167,152 misdemeanor warrants and 29,074 felony warrants for crimes that range from drugs to homicide.

By releasing the photos of the most-wanted fugitives, state law enforcement agencies hope people will come forward and report any information, even if it is seemingly small.

“Any tip, large or small, is welcome,” Lopez said.

Since its inception in 1981, the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers, working on anonymous tips received from the public, has led to the arrests of 1,300 fugitives who have committed crimes that include homicide, sex assaults, robbery, fraud, theft, burglary, and parole violations and escape.

During Saturday’s event, The Denver Post received an award for assisting the annual effort by publishing the 50 most-wanted poster.

Annette Espinoza: 303-954-1655 or aespinoza@denverpost.com