Jason R. Bowie, Cabinet Secretary | New Mexico Department of Public Safety
Honor guard teams across New Mexico have received support through the Lt. Fred Beers III Honor Guard Fund, a program named after the late officer who died in a helicopter crash in 2022 while assisting fire crews on the East Mesa Fire. Lt. Beers was known for his dedication to volunteer service with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department honor guard, where he served for 13 years.
“Lt. Beers is remembered for his character: volunteering, serving others, coaching, and ensuring that fellow first responders received due respect and ceremonial honors, thus, the memorial and honor guard program in his name is to carry forward the values he exemplified, particularly around honoring fallen first responders,” said New Mexico Department of Public Safety Deputy Cabinet Secretary Sylvia Serna.
The fund was established by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham during her 2023 State of the State address and is managed by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety. It has provided equipment such as flags, rifles, uniforms, hats, gloves, belts, badges, boots, pants, jackets and rain gear to various first responder and public safety department honor guards statewide.
“We look forward to continuing the service that we provide not only locally here in Santa Fe but all around the state with help from this grant,” said Scott Ouderkirk, assistant chief of operations for the Santa Fe Fire Department.
Portales Fire Department Battalion Chief Hugh Frank stated: “I am very grateful for the funding which was granted to us. It is extremely beneficial and appreciated by our fire department and honor guard.”
In its final year of operation in 2025, 24 agencies applied for support from the fund—including eight fire departments and sixteen law enforcement agencies—with ten new applicants and six new programs. All $300,000 allocated for 2025 has been distributed.
“This grant has made it possible to expand our Honor Guard and Pipe and Drum Corp,” said Santa Fe Fire Department Assistant Chief of Support Services Sten A. Johnson. “Our membership is very dedicated. Offering new uniforms and equipment has elevated their enthusiasm.”
Chief Patricia Lopes of Tucumcari Police Department also commented: “We appreciate the opportunity to outfit our department for honor guard.”
Christina Tyson from the Administrative Services Division at New Mexico Department of Public Safety described managing this fund as an honor: “It has been a true honor and privilege to work alongside our law enforcement and fire departments across New Mexico, discussing the needs of their current programs and witnessing the creation of new ones. Honor guard teams hold a meaningful place in our communities, standing beside families during ceremonies for fallen responders and representing pride, service, and unity at memorials and public events. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with these agencies, learn more about what they represent, and gain a greater appreciation for the dedication and service they provide across our state.”
Major Lorenzo Aguirre from New Mexico State Police Special Operations Bureau emphasized how crucial this funding is: “The funding provided to the New Mexico State Police Honor Guard will significantly enhance our ability to uphold the long-standing traditions of service, professionalism, and respect that define our agency. Our Honor Guard serves as a proud and visible representation of the department’s core values: honor, integrity, and dedication. The team plays a vital role in representing the New Mexico State Police at ceremonial functions, memorial services, funerals, and public events throughout the state and beyond.
“This additional funding ensures that our honor guard remains properly equipped and thoroughly trained to maintain the highest standards of appearance, precision, and dignity. The allocated funds will support uniform and equipment maintenance... Moreover this investment strengthens team morale... Ultimately...the support provided through Lt Fred Beers III Honor Guard Program enables [us]...to continue upholding our proud traditions...and reinforces our unwavering commitment to excellence..."
Story by John Heil from New Mexico Department of Public Safety.
