Moment of silence for Baton Rouge law enforcement

Greetings community,

As everyone is already aware, another horrific act of violence transpired over the weekend. Six more officers were targeted and shot; three of those officers were killed and a fourth is still fighting for his life. Such attacks on law enforcement are destructive to our communities and our country as a whole. While we all pray this does not become the “new normal,” Baton Rouge and Dallas have reminded us of the danger faced by officers every day.

The Farmington Police Department will be honoring the fallen officers by wearing badge bands until Thursday morning. Additionally, we have been contacted by many citizens who share our feelings of sadness and anger over events from the past two weeks. There is only so much we can do as individuals. Together, however, we can make a statement. Today, FPD will line up at 4:00 p.m. outside the Farmington Museum located at 3041 E. Main St. for a moment of silence in honor of the fallen/injured Baton Rouge officers and deputies. Dispatch will only send officers to emergency calls at this time. Our employees will activate their overheads and stand along Main Street, silently, for five minutes paying their respects to the men and women of Baton Rouge law enforcement and their community.

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, Aztec, Bloomfield, and Navajo Police Departments, and New Mexico State Police are invited to join us at the museum or in their respective communities. To any citizens who wish to participate, you may come to the museum and stand alongside our employees. If you can’t make it, we invite everyone to step outside their home or business at 4:00 and simply stand in unison until 4:05.

Alone or in small groups, watching these events unfold can feel overwhelming and hopeless. However, together, taking a few minutes to pause and stand as one, reminds each of us and everyone around the world, that we can make a difference. We can stand against hate and anarchy – against all those who see only the dark side of our nation. The three officers, and all our men and women in blue, stand for what is right in our country.

God bless the U.S.A. and protect all of us during these difficult times.

Chief Steve Hebbe