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SANDOVAL COUNTY — A local deacon who served many agencies died Sept. 3, and the local first responders remembered his service in the area.
Steve Rangel, aka Deacon Steve, 68, served as a chaplain for the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office and Rio Rancho Fire and Rescue. He was also a reserve officer with SCSO. He passed as a result of an aggressive cancer.
Though Rangel’s main capacity was in SCSO and RRFR, current deputy Sandoval County manager and former county Fire Chief Eric Masterson remembers working with him.
“I had the opportunity to work with Deacon Steve on several occasions during my tenure as chief and deputy chief for Sandoval County Fire and Rescue. He was a compassionate man who truly cared for those with whom he worked. If Deacon Steve said he was praying for you, you know he meant it,” Masterson said.
He added that Rangel would be there for people during tough times “no matter the time of day.”
“Steve worked collaboratively with other chaplains and peer support personnel to ensure that even if he was unavailable, someone would be there to help the public safety communities. He was a great man,” Masterson said.
Current RRFR Chief James Wenzel spoke on behalf of the department, stating they were all saddened to hear the news of Rangel’s passing.
“He was a fierce supporter of our members, public safety and the community. Throughout his time with RRFR, he consistently worked to provide spiritual support to anyone in need,” Wenzel said.
He added that he was known to put service before himself.
“In fact, I met with him shortly after his diagnosis, and even then he still placed so much focus and effort on ensuring our department was taken care of,” Wenzel said.
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He called Rangel a true public servant in every way.
“There are countless contributions, memories and impacts from his work that will continue to live on, such as his calming presence and kind smile,” he said.
“On behalf of the Rio Rancho Fire Rescue Department we offer our prayers and blessings to the entire Rangel family. And to his wife Linda, thank you for sharing such a wonderful human being with our department and community.”
Though the Rio Rancho Police Department did not directly work with Rangel, they offered a brief statement:
“We thank him for his quiet service, incredible capacity for kindness, and serving as a pillar of strength for those experiencing grief during some of their darkest times.”
According to his obituary, Rangel served the Catholic church for 22 years at St. Jude Thaddeus, Jemez Pueblo, Zia Pueblo, Santa Ana Pueblo, and three small mission churches in the Jemez Valley, St. John Vianny and San Ysidro in Corrales.
Rangel was a coordinator for Blue Mass and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the NM Special Olympics Opening Ceremony, Summer Games as well.
He passed peacefully at home in the presence of his devoted family, the obituary states.
