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Community gathers for fallen officer ceremony
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RIO RANCHO — Veterans Monument Park was once again full of Rio Rancho’s finest for the annual Fallen Officers ceremony Thursday morning.
Uniformed officers from the Rio Rancho Police Department, New Mexico State Police, Corrales Police and more were all present for the memorial of three fallen RRPD officers: Germain Casey, Anthony Haase and Greg “Nigel” Benner.
Casey died while escorting President George W. Bush in August 2007 on his motorcycle. Haase responded to a domestic incident where he was killed in a single-vehicle crash near Idalia Road and NM 528 in October 2014.
May 25 will mark 10 years since Benner was killed in a parking lot not too far from where the ceremony was held. He was shot by a suspect during a chase when he was nearly done with his shift.
Lt. Scott Pope lead the ceremony as master of ceremonies.
“We offer our deepest appreciation to the citizens of Rio Rancho for your unwavering support. Your presence and continued encouragement mean more than words can express, and we are truly grateful for you,” he said.
Terrence Frank, FBI assistant special agent in charge, also spoke during the ceremony.
“Today, we gather not just as colleagues, friends or family but as a community united in remembrance, respect and resolve. This memorial stands as a solemn tribute to the men and women of law enforcement who gave their lives in the line of duty. They are not forgotten,” he said.
He acknowledged that those officers’ sacrifice and commitment will leave a mark on the hearts of the communities they serve.
“Each name carved into this stone tells a story, a story of service, of honor, of bravery in the face of danger. These officers did not ask for recognition. They did not seek praise. They simply answered a call to serve something greater than themselves, and in doing so, they gave everything. It is our duty to not only remember them but to carry forward their legacy, to ensure their sacrifice inspires our daily work, to remind ourselves and others that behind every badge is a human life,” he said.
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Mayor Gregg Hull shared his thoughts on the three fallen officers from Rio Rancho.
“Each year, we come together at this memorial to pay tribute to the fallen officers who, with selflessness and honor, put the safety and well-being of others before their own,” he said.
He also recognized the families of Casey, Haase and Benner.
“To the families who are here with us today, I want to express our deepest gratitude for the sacrifices you have made as well. You are forever a part of this community’s heart, and we stand with you in your grief and your pride. Your loved ones were true heroes and their service will never be in vain,” Hull said.
Chief Stewart Steele spoke last, starting with “The Last Call of Duty,” a poem by Ernest Gilman. He said he has run into people who do not know what the memorial is about.
“This event, the Rio Rancho Police Memorial Day, is the one day each year that we pause to remember the men and women in law enforcement who protect our homefront, preserve our liberties, protect the rights of all people. For some of us during our call of duty, some of us unwillingly make the ultimate sacrifice,” he said. “If you don’t know, our nation celebrates police officers one week each year, which is this week. During this time, our profession is honored, and one day within that week is a sacred day to us. It is the day we honor our fallen, the men and women of law enforcement who have lost their lives while serving.”
He referenced a passage that he said law enforcement tend to cling to: John 15:13.
“The significance of it is the ending when it says for one’s friends. This is significant because police officers killed the line of duty usually do not die for their friends. In almost all instances, police officers killed in the line of duty, they are killed by people they don’t know, protecting citizens they don’t know,” he said.
Suzanne "Aden" Kemp performs "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes.
He also talked about why police do what they do. “It’s a calling,” he said.
After his speech, Communications Operator Lynda Rodriguez did a last call for Casey, Haase and Benner.
