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PUBLIC SAFETY
BCSO Sergeant honored in Rio Rancho
Local law enforcement, mayor comment on Schlattman memorial
Published
RIO RANCHO — New Mexico law enforcement rallies around its families when an officer is killed on duty.
That much was clear March 2 at the Rio Rancho Events Center during a service for Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Michael Schlattman, who was stuck by a tractor trailer on Interstate 40 while conducting a traffic stop Feb. 23.
The incident not only prompted BCSO officers to show up for Schlattman's memorial, but also nearly every law enforcement agency in the state, including the Rio Rancho Police Department and Sandoval County Sheriff's Office. Those departments shared thoughts after the ceremony, though Schlattman had no confirmed ties to Rio Rancho.
"The Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office is saddened by the loss of a fellow law enforcement brother," SCSO Lt. John Castaneda said.
He reflected on the ceremony as somber as SCSO officers heard the stories about Schlattman.
"As I prepared last night and this morning to show honor and respect to Sgt. Schlattman it makes you realize how sweet and precious life really is," Castaneda said. "A father and a husband, working hard, not only for his family but for his community, signing up for a job that is sometimes thankless and difficult, Sgt. Schlattman continued to do it with a smile on his face."
He added that though it was clear Schlattman was a guy who liked to joke around, other speeches, like one from Schlattman's stepson Corbin Tedder, were heartbreaking for him.
"Watching the video of his life and showing how much he loved his wife and kids, it reminds all of us that we are not promised tomorrow," Castaneda said. "Take a little time in the day to hug your family. Make that call to a son or daughter that is off to college or even war, to a mother living in another state or a friend across town."
He promised Schlattman that his bothers and sisters in law enforcement "will continue to fight the good fight that never ends."
RRPD extended condolences to Schlattman's family, friends and colleagues.
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"Sgt. Schlattman’s service and sacrifice will not be forgotten," RRPD said. "The law enforcement family stood shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters from agencies across the state, alongside members of the community as we honored Sgt. Schlattman's life, his commitment to public safety, and his dedication to serving others."
The statement added that the RRPD's thoughts and prayers remain with Schlattman's loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull recognized that Schlattman died doing a job he was committed to.
"My heart aches for his loved ones and for the men and women of the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office," Hull said.
He added that New Mexicans will honor Schlattman's sacrifice by "continuing to stand with those who risk everything to keep our communities safe."
There were national agencies present as well, including the FBI, United States Marshals and the Secret Service.
There were also several public officials from local government, the district attorney's office in Bernalillo County and the governor's office.
BCSO Sheriff John Allen, when he spoke, thanked all responding agencies that went to the I-40 scene.
"I know this was difficult, but it not only shows the character that each one of you has but the culture of all first responders supporting each other," Allen said to the room full of officers.
He thanked his command staff, recognizing that the public doesn't really know how each rank of officer is important to the department as a whole. However, he said the community is suffering the loss right alongside law enforcement.
"As all law enforcement knows, every time we leave home, going back home is never guaranteed. This reality on this day became our nightmare," Allen said.
After sharing two Bible verses, the sheriff lightened the mood by sharing stories about Schlattman, or "Schlatty," as Allen called him.
During Allen's speech and the five-part eulogy provided by Capt. Santiago Roybal, Deputy Greg Grundhoffer, friend Roxy Valdez, Tedder and brother Brendan Flynn, it was made clear that Schlattman liked to have fun and kept a smile on his face while working at BCSO.
