ALBUQUERQUE – U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez made the following statement upon learning of the death of Lea County Sheriff Steve Ackerman following a vehicle crash on January 17, 2017:
“I had the privilege of working with Sheriff Ackerman on the Executive Board of the New Mexico High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HITDA), and came to know him as a valued law enforcement partner and friend who was deeply committed to the safety and welfare not only of the residents of Lea County, but all New Mexicans.
“Sheriff Ackerman was a proud member of the Lea County Sheriff’s Office for 15 years, and was elected Sheriff in 2014. He previously worked for other county law enforcement agencies and served as an instructor at the law enforcement academy, and sought out every available opportunity to improve his training and education because it enabled him to better serve his community.
“Sheriff Ackerman leaves behind a wife of more than 25 years and two children, who will need our prayers and support as they come to terms with his unexpected loss.
“Lea County is a stronger and safer place because of Sheriff Ackerman’s leadership, and he will be deeply missed by New Mexico’s law enforcement community.”