Filed under: 30 Day Challenge, Memorable Life Celebrations | Tags: 30 Day Challenge, funerals
Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputy Dean Miera, 48, was tragically killed in an automobile accident when the paths of three vehicles crossed, resulting in a grisly head-on collision. Hundreds of law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and EMTs from across the state of New Mexico came to honor Deputy Miera.
At the visitation and Rosary service the night before the funeral, law enforcement officers in their dress uniforms took turns standing guard next to Miera’s casket. Every five minutes, a fresh pair of officers took measured steps to the front of the church, slowly saluted the casket, stepped to either end, and, like clockwork, traded places with the officers standing guard. Once the honor guards were in position, each bowed the head and crossed white-gloved hands over his or her abdomen.
Speakers after the Rosary included Bernalillo County Sheriff Manuel Gonzales and Miera’s four children. They painted a portrait of a dedicated officer and a loving family man who was strong, caring, humble, understanding, and calm in every situation. Sheriff Gonzales presented Miera’s cap and badge to the family. His badge and radio call number, 237, will be retired.
At the funeral Mass the next day, the church was filled to overflowing with family, friends, and hundreds of law enforcement/public safety officers. Dozens of motorcycle police and other vehicles escorted the hearse and procession of mourners through Albuquerque. Last Alarm, a special black fire truck used to honor deceased firefighters, was part of the funeral cortege.
The procession, which stretched for miles, passed through downtown Albuquerque, where the final dispatch call for Deputy Miera was broadcast over police radio system.
The dispatcher said, “You will never be forgotten, and will be greatly missed by all the lives that you have touched. S.O. 237, be en route to your final destination.”
May Deputy Dean Miera rest in peace.
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I guess you must have seen this crazy little coda? http://eideard.wordpress.com/2010/11/04/coppers-deliberately-ram-sheriffs-car-in-funeral-motorcade/
Comment by Charles Cowling November 5, 2010 @ 4:02 am[...] Among the most memorable were services with two pews of Red Hat Society ladies in full regalia, a Harley Davidson motorcycle in a funeral chapel, an artist’s remembrance that featured her favorite lemon meringue pie, an AA meeting-style remembrance for an addiction counselor, and a funeral for a fallen police officer. [...]
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