[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 16, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E42]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN MEMORY OF LIEUTENANT FRED BEERS

                                 ______
                                 

                      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 
Lieutenant Fred Beers for his service to the people of San Miguel and 
Mora Counties during the East Mesa Fire.
  Bernalillo County Sheriffs Department Lieutenant Fred Beers, 
Undersheriff Larry Koren, and Deputy Sheriff Michael Levison 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.
  Lt. Beers joined the Bernalillo County Sheriffs office in 2009. 
During his time there, he served in many roles, including in the 
metropolitan air support unit, field services, CSI, SVU, violent 
crimes, the honor guard, and several other units within the Sheriffs 
Office.
  Lt. Beers passionately believed in the importance of the honor guard. 
Fred visited all over the state to ensure that every fallen officer was 
recognized and given proper honors. Often, on his own time, he would 
travel all over the country to honor fallen officers in other states. 
Every June, for over the last 10 years, Lt. Beers and other law 
enforcement officers hiked to the summit of the tallest peak in New 
Mexico in honor of fallen first responders.
  Fred was an avid marathoner and even ran the Boston Marathon. He 
would run over 100 miles a week to keep both physically fit and 
mentally clear. Lt. Beers was passionate about living a life of 
service. He served in the United States Air Force as well as in his 
community as a track and cross-country coach, a Boy Scout leader, a 
civil air patrol officer, and a volunteer for the Special Olympics.
  Fred believed in the importance of family. He had many roles in life, 
but the ones most important to him were husband, father, son, and big 
brother.
  I didn't know Fred personally. But his life has had a profound impact 
on mine and the communities I serve.
  I represent the Third Congressional District, 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 my communities devastated by fire and 
the landscapes washed away by flood.
  These once beautiful lands are where we lost Fred 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 the 
loss of these men 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 
Fred's memory be a blessing. May his service be an inspiration of love 
in action.
  Sacrifice and heroism are cornerstones of America's history, and Lt. 
Beers' will never be forgotten.

                          ____________________