STATE News:

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has ordered all flags to half-staff  through sundown Friday, July 22, in the state of New Mexico in mourning for four Bernalillo County first responders killed Saturday in a Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office helicopter crash.

Undersheriff Larry Koren, Lieutenant Fred Beers and Deputy Michael Levinson, all of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and Bernalillo County Fire Department Rescue Specialist Matthew King were killed in a helicopter crash in the line of duty July 16 while assisting with firefighting efforts in San Miguel County.

The governor issued the following statement:

“I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of four New Mexicans while in the line of duty. These were four dedicated public servants who were doing what New Mexico’s first responders do day in and day out: working tirelessly to serve and protect their fellow New Mexicans.

“On behalf of the people of New Mexico, I extend my deepest gratitude to these four brave men, and my deepest sympathy to their families, friends and colleagues.

“As we await additional details from the investigation, my office has offered every available support and assistance to the sheriff’s office and the county. State resources are fully available to assist the ongoing investigation.”