Lt. Fred Beers III Fund strengthens honor guards across New Mexico

Professionalism, respect, devotion to duty, discipline and dignity - these are all traits of an honor guard team.

In New Mexico, honor guards represent agencies across the state from the Game and Fish Department to local fire and sheriff's departments and the State Police.

Many of these teams would not be possible if it wasn't for the state's Lt. Fred Beers III Honor Guard Fund named after the officer who lost his life in a helicopter crash in 2022 while assisting fire crews on the East Mesa Fire. Beers was known for his selfless volunteer efforts with the honor guard for the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department where he had worked for 13 years before his death.

"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.

New Mexico State Police Honor Guard in Washington D.C.

The fund (named by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in her State of the State address in 2023) administered by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety has supported a number of first responder/public safety department honor guards statewide with purchasing equipment such as flags and rifles and uniforms including hats, gloves, belts, badges, boots, pants and jackets and even rain gear.

"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 regarding his honor guard team and the how the fund has helped continue their operations.

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Honor Guard.

Portales Fire Department Battalion Chief Hugh Frank agreed. "I am very grateful for the funding which was granted to us," he said. "It is extremely beneficial and appreciated by our fire department and honor guard."

In its final year, 24 agencies have applied (10 new applicants and six new programs) including eight fire departments and 16 law enforcement. A total of $300,000 was allocated in 2025, all of which has been spent.

"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."

Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard.

Chief for the Tucumcari Police Department Patricia Lopes echoed similar sentiments. "We appreciate the opportunity to outfit our department for honor guard," she said.

The New Mexico Department of Public Safety has been proud to manage this prestigious fund these past few years, per State Projects Staff Manager for the Administrative Services Division of the New Mexico Department of Public Safety Christina Tyson.

Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue Honor Guard.

"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," said Tyson. "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."

From right to left - Lovington Police Department Honor Guard: Sergeant Jacob Pando, Officer Austin Zepeda, Sergeant Teresa Grady and Officer Dylan Cummings.

"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," said Major Lorenzo Aguirre, Special Operations Bureau of the New Mexico State Police. "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, allowing team members to present themselves with professionalism and pride in whatever capacity they serve. Moreover, this investment strengthens team morale and underscores our commitment to honoring fallen officers, supporting their families, and serving our communities with the utmost respect. Ultimately, the support provided through the Lt. Fred Beers III Honor Guard Program enables the New Mexico State Police Honor Guard to continue upholding our proud traditions and reinforces our unwavering commitment to excellence and public service."

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Honor Guard.

Story by New Mexico Department of Public Safety Public Information Officer John Heil. Photos Courtesy of the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue, Lovington Police Department, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and the New Mexico State Police Media Relations Unit - Andrew Hartman.

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