Law Enforcement Agencies from across Southern New Mexico gathered at the Las Cruces Convention Center to honor those that they’ve lost.
Sirens blared as patrol cars drove slowly through Las Cruces in honor of those they’ve lost. Dona Ana County Sheriff Enrique “Kiki” Vigil says it’s important to honor those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice.
“We’re celebrating them,” Vigil said. “Our fallen heroes here locally, here in West Texas, El Paso, and here in Dona Ana County. We’re here to remember them and not forget them.”
Law enforcement officers and family members read the names of officer who’ve died in the line of duty in the region dating back over 100 years. J.R. Stewart, President of the Las Cruces Lode #8 Fraternal Order of Police, says this is a chance for him to remember people he’s lost in his over 35 years in law enforcement.
‘They paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Stewart said. “And it’s something we don’t like seeing. We don’t expect to go to work expecting to get shot, or killed, or expect to shoot somebody. You never know in law enforcement what kind of day your going to have. Here we are trying to show our appreciation to those. You know the families really deserve all the respect because they had a hero.”
The Ceremony also recognized former law enforcement officers, who’ve died of natural causes over the past year. Sheriff Vigil says it’s important to recognize those who’ve spent their life in public service.
“They’re serving our community,” Vigil said. “They’re the ones keeping us safe, day and night, and we owe them a lot. This is the least we can do to remember them on a day like this, and that’s very important for their loved ones, their families that are mourning them and everything.”
The event is held as part of National Police Week
