A multi-agency commission tasked with preparations for the funeral and tribute to fallen Hatch Police Officer Jose Chavez has finalized details for his service on Sunday, Aug. 21.
Officer Chavez was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Hatch on Friday, Aug. 12.
Final patrol
A contingency of regional law enforcement will gather near Hatch Valley High School and await the funeral procession, which will lead Officer Chavez on his final patrol through the Village of Hatch, passing by the Hatch Valley Regional Public Safety building.
From there, the motorcade will proceed east on Franklin Street to I-25, where it will head south to Las Cruces. Motorists are advised that a rolling road block will be in effect from approximately 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The route will continue into Las Cruces and exit on University Avenue, where eastbound and westbound lanes of traffic will be temporarily blocked. The motorcade is expected to turn left on Triviz Drive to Stewart Street, and make a final procession to the Pan American Center via Arrowhead Drive.
Garrison flags will be flown over Arrowhead, along with approximately 100 motorcyclists with the Patriot Guard Riders. Honor guards from the Albuquerque Police Department and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office will fire a ceremonial “rolling thunder” succession of blank rounds as the hearse passes by.
Funeral services
Services inside the Pan American Center are scheduled to begin at approximately 3 p.m. Nick Miller, former KTSM television news anchor, will host the order of services.
Expected speakers include Congressman Steve Pearce and Governor Susana Martinez.
Doors at the Pan Am will open at 1 p.m. Attendees are asked to use the north and south entrances only. Also, a strict no-bag policy will be in effect. This includes backpacks, luggage of any kind, and ladies’ purses. Medical equipment secured in a bag will be allowed.
Media will be given exclusive access via the west entrance of the Pan Am, along with parking in the designated lot on the same side of the building.
A Silent Witness display of Officer Chavez’s police unit will be staged at the north entrance to allow mourners who wish to pay their respects with flowers or mementos to do so.
Directions
For those traveling from outside the Las Cruces area:
From El Paso (south of Las Cruces):
- Take I-10 West. Take I-25 N toward Las Cruces/Albuquerque. Take the University Avenue exit. Turn right onto University Avenue and an immediate right onto Las Alturas Drive. Travel approximately half a mile and turn left on Loop Drive. Take a right at the stop sign onto Wells Street and an immediate right onto Triviz Drive. Head north to the parking areas.
From Albuquerque (north of Las Cruces):
- Take I-25 South. Take the University Avenue exit. Merge right onto University Avenue and get into the left lane right away. Go to the stop light at Triviz and turn left.
Information from Dona Ana County