Gov. Susana Martinez honors State Police Officer Dwayne Simpson today at the opening of the 30-Day Legislative Session in Santa Fe. She held up his damaged badge and explained that during an August traffic stop, Ofc. Simpson encountered William Wilson, a criminal who had been in and out of prison 16 times for various offenses: aggravated burglary, committing a crime with a firearm, resisting arrest, parole violations and drug charges. Most recently, he was charged with 17 felonies, including aggravated burglary and firearm possession – and a judge let him bond out with very little accountability, she said. ‘This criminal shot Ofc. Simpson and his badge stopped the bullet and this New Mexico State Police officer is a hero who nearly lost his life protecting us … an officer’s badge – the shield—is the symbol of his commitment and willingness to lay down his life for us,’ Gov. Martinez said. ‘It is not just a piece of metal. To every officer, it represents their bond with the people they serve. Ofc. Simpson – thank you for your bravery. For the first time, and on behalf of all New Mexicans, I’d like to return your badge to you. Thank you.’ Photo by Mary Beth Maassen/ladailypost.com

The badge of State Police Ofc. Dwayne Simpson who survived a shooting by a criminal who had been in and out of prison 16 times for various offenses. Courtesy photo