[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 16, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E38]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN MEMORY OF MICHAEL LEVISON

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. TERESA LEGER FERNANDEZ

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 16, 2024

  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Deputy 
Sheriff Michael Levison for his service and sacrifice to the people of 
San Miguel and Mora Counties during the East Mesa Fire on July 16, 
2022.
  Bernalillo County Deputy Sheriff Michael Levison, Undersheriff Larry 
Koren, and Lieutenant Fred Beers were killed when the agency's 
helicopter, Metro 2, crashed near Las Vegas, New Mexico. Rescue 
Specialist Matthew King of the Bernalillo County Fire Department was 
also killed in the crash.
  Deputy Sheriff Michael Levison earned his bachelor's degree in 
Criminology from the University of New Mexico while a member of the New 
Mexico Air National Guard. He continuously served for over ten years 
with the New Mexico National Guard, in the 210th Red Horse squadron, as 
a combat engineer. He joined the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office as 
a deputy in 2017. In addition to his daily duties, he served on many 
other assignments: the Emergency Response Team, Gang Recognition & 
Intelligence Patrol, Field Investigator, Crisis Negotiation Team, Field 
Training Officer, and the Metropolitan Air Support Unit. Michael lived 
his life serving his community, country, and family.
  I didn't know Michael personally. But his life had a profound impact 
on me and the communities I serve.
  I represent the Third Congressional District of New Mexico, which 
includes San Miguel and Mora Counties. I grew up on the east side of 
the Sangre De Cristos. Las Vegas and the surrounding area are where I 
spent my youth. Over the last year, I have seen these communities 
devastated by fire and the landscapes washed away by flood.
  These once beautiful lands are where we lost Michael and his 
colleagues. Each of these men selflessly answered the call to protect 
the land, the people, and the homes so far from their own. I am 
devastated by their loss but inspired by their service and their 
sacrifice. In this sea of grief where we now find ourselves, let's 
remember they will not be forgotten up north where they breathed their 
last breath.
  The places they protected will hold their love and whisper it in our 
ears as breezes flow through the plains and mountain valleys. May 
Michael's memory be a blessing. May his service be an inspiration of 
love in action for us all to remember.
  Sacrifice and heroism are cornerstones of America's history, and 
Deputy Sheriff Levison's will never be forgotten.

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