‘Selfless courage, sacrifice’
Memorial honors the fallen law enforcement officers of central NM
“Anyone who wears a badge is a hero for each and every one of us New Mexicans — the men and woman who are keeping our communities safe, every minute, every hour of every day.”
That was the message from Gov. Susana Martinez on Friday as the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and Albuquerque Police Department hosted a memorial service in Civic Plaza to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
“I’ve been lucky enough to witness firsthand the selfless courage and sacrifice of the men and women in uniform,” Martinez said. “Every day they put themselves in harm’s way so we are safe and protected. Those who wear the uniform have one of the most difficult jobs in our society. They’re often the first on the scene. When others are
running from danger, they’re running toward it.”
Elected officials from Bernalillo County and the city of Albuquerque took part in the service, along with law enforcement from across the area and families of the officers who died in the line of duty.
Officers from departments across the area dressed in their best. Honor guards were present along with BCSO cadets.
But the day was about officers who lost their lives and the families they left behind.
“It never gets any easier and while memorials like this can bring back unpleasant memories, it reminds me why I chose this profession,” APD interim Police Chief Michael Geier said. “Every officer we honor today has provided reason for us to be proud of our profession.”
Geier then addressed surviving family members, who were escorted to their seats by BCSO cadets prior to the ceremony.
“They are the reason we do what we do,” he said. “Their sacrifice and yours as a family member provides all of us with grief and pain, but it also fuels our hearts with pride and solace that can only be found in a law enforcement family.”
Mayor Tim Keller and Bernalillo County Sheriff Manuel Gonzales also delivered remarks during the memorial.
Following the addresses, APD officer Tracy Drager and BCSO deputy Mustafa Mudada read the names of fallen officers, starting with APD Deputy Marshal E.D. Henry, who died on Nov. 20, 1886, and ending with Valencia County deputy Ryan Thomas, whose end of watch was Dec. 6, 2016. Bells were rung. Doves were released. Honor guards from APD and BCSO fired a rifle salute. BCSO Lt. Vance Lunsford performed taps and APD Sgt. Matthew McElroy played “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes.
APD officer Andrew Garcia delivered the national anthem earlier in the ceremony.
A riderless horse, with a sword and empty boots positioned backward in the stirrups, accompanied by members of the APD Horse Mounted Unit, concluded the ceremony.