Memorial service honors fallen first responders two years after BCSO helicopter crash

TIJERAS, N.M. (KRQE) – It’s been two years since four Bernalillo County first responders died in a helicopter crash in the line of duty. BCSO’s Metro 2 crashed after assisting crews with the East Mesa fire and on Tuesday, loved ones gathered at the East Mountain Memorial Wall to honor their memory.

On July 16, 2022, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Larry Koren, Lt. Fred Beers, Deputy Michael Levison, and Albuquerque Fire Rescue Rescue Specialist Captain Matthew King, were fighting wildfires in Las Vegas New Mexico. On their way back, their helicopter, Metro 2 crashed, killing all four .

“Husbands, fathers, brothers, sons who dedicated their lives to serving our community…They’re not just names on a wall, they’re not just someone to remember once a year,” said Lt. Kyle Woods with Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.

“They were selfless servants, that’s the best way to put that. They provided to our community with all of who they were,” said Deputy Chief Zach Lardy, Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue.

Honor guards from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue stood watch at the Memorial Wall to pay tribute to the four men. It was a silent memorial for loved ones to pay their respects. “Not much has to be spoken and you just know that there’s a shared bond even in the loss,” said BCSO Lt. Woods.

First responders from different departments showed up to the memorial. Many said they will never forget the sacrifice made by Metro 2. “I’d tell them, rest well…and we’ve got it,” said BCSO Lt. Woods.

The names of all four first responders were added to the East Mountain Memorial Wall in Tijeras last year. Fire and Rescue said this was the first time a memorial service for Metro 2 was held at this site.

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