Hundreds Honor BCSO Sergeant Michael Schlattman at Rio Rancho Memorial

Community gathers to remember fallen officer killed in the line of duty

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Friends, family, and hundreds of law enforcement officers gathered in Rio Rancho, New Mexico to bid farewell to Bernalillo County Sergeant Michael Schlattman, who died a week earlier when a semi-truck hit him during a traffic stop on I-40. The emotional memorial service on what would have been Schlattman's 53rd birthday included tributes, a 21-gun salute, and a flyover honoring the fallen officer.

Why it matters

Sergeant Schlattman's death is deeply felt by the tight-knit East Mountains community he served, where neighbors and businesses are showing an outpouring of support. His passing highlights the risks and sacrifices law enforcement officers make to protect their communities.

The details

Speakers at the memorial service shared stories of Schlattman's compassion, courage, and humor, with his stepson emphasizing his dedication to family and community. 'He protected our home the same way he protected our community with loyalty, steadiness and honor,' the stepson said. The service concluded with traditional military honors, including taps and a 21-gun salute.

  • Sergeant Schlattman was killed a week ago during a traffic stop on I-40.
  • The memorial service was held on March 2, which would have been Schlattman's 53rd birthday.

The players

Michael Schlattman

A Sergeant with the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office who was killed in the line of duty when a semi-truck hit him during a traffic stop.

Ruth Herrea

A resident of Tijeras, New Mexico who came to pay her respects at the memorial set up by the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office.

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What they’re saying

“He protected our home the same way he protected our community with loyalty, steadiness and honor. He served with honor, lived with purpose and when it mattered the most to me, he chose to be my father.”

— Schlattman's stepson (kob.com)

“Today actually was the only day I could come and you know put some flowers and you know pay my respects because you know, they are doing stuff for us and you know that's the least I could do.”

— Ruth Herrea, Tijeras resident (kob.com)

The takeaway

Sergeant Schlattman's tragic death underscores the sacrifices law enforcement officers make to protect their communities. The outpouring of support from the East Mountains community he served highlights the deep impact his loss has had, and the importance of honoring fallen officers who give their lives in the line of duty.