RRPD hosting Germaine Casey Memorial Car Seat Inspection clinic this weekend

The Rio Rancho Police Department and New Mexico Department of Transportation are partnering to hold the Germaine Casey Memorial Car Seat Inspection clinic this weekend in Rio Rancho.

Casey, a former Rio Rancho Police Officer, died in a motorcycle crash near the Sunport while helping to escort former President George W. Bush on Aug. 27, 2007.

Casey, who was born and raised near Chicago, was a minor league baseball player for the Atlanta Braves organization during the 1980s. He later became a police officer in New Mexico, joining the Rio Rancho force. As he was providing an escort for visiting Bush, his motorcycle accidently left the roadway and struck a tree. Casey later died from injuries at a nearby hospital. He was 40 years old.

"The Germaine Casey Memorial Car Seat Clinic holds special significance because it honors the memory of our fallen officer, Germaine Casey," RRPD Captain Jacquelynn Reedy said. "By participating in this event, we not only protect the youngest members of our community but also pay tribute to Officer Casey's legacy of service and dedication. This clinic is a powerful reminder of the importance of safety, community, and remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice."

There are memorials for Officer Casey at the Albuquerque Sunport, the scene of the fatal crash, and at the Rio Rancho Veterans and Law Enforcement Memorial Park on Pinetree Road.

As the 17th anniversary of Casey’s death approaches, RRPD is honoring the fallen officer’s memory with the car seat clinic.

Certified car seat technicians will be on hand in the Target parking lot on from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 24 to check if car seats are installed properly, if correct car seats are being used and if car seats are expired or have been recalled.

More than 60 vehicles took advantage of RRPD’s car seat clinic in June.

Several police officers, firefighters and dispatchers will help out at the event to make sure kids are safe.

Det. Kimberly Hopper and Rio, RRPD’s first therapy dog, also will be there to assist.

"Car seat clinics are crucial community events that focus on child safety. They ensure that car seats are properly installed and used, significantly reducing the risk of injury or death in the event of a car accident," Reedy said. "These clinics educate parents and caregivers about the best practices for child passenger safety, helping to prevent common mistakes that could have life-altering consequences."