The Albuquerque Police Department hosted a memorial on Civic Plaza on Thursday to honor law enforcement officers who “made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Leaders of state, federal and local law enforcement agencies — including those from surrounding counties — attended the annual memorial, which included a mention of the three officers who were killed throughout the state over the past year.
Anthony Ferguson was shot and killed in Alamogordo in July 2023 by a man who police say had fled the scene of a vehicle accident. Jonah Hernandez was stabbed to death while responding to a trespassing call in Las Cruces in February. Justin Hare was shot and killed after police say he checked on a disabled vehicle — occupied by a murder suspect — near Tucumcari in March.
Around the country 136 officers were lost in 2023, said Mayor Tim Keller.
“It’s an honor to be here with you today to recognize the guardians of our city, to pay our respect to those lost and injured in the service across our country and right here at home this year,” Keller said. “I want to thank all the existing officers for their service, and all the retirees for their service, and all the families that support them each and every day.”
