This cache series is dedicated to those New Mexico State Police officers who gave their final measure of devotion to the citizens of the state of New Mexico. Some lost their lives due to violence and others due to traffic and other accidents.
Officer Richard Gomez (1949-1980) died on April 17th, 1980 when he was shot once in the chest with a .22 caliber handgun after making a traffic stop near Coyote in Rio Arribas County. His assailant, Modesto Martinez 60, was arrested at the scene. Officer Gomez, a native of Gallina was a ten year veteran of the State Police. He had previously been stationed in Truth or Consequences. He was survived by his wife Bernice and two children. He was buried at Gallina. BYOP