NM Governor Martinez Orders Flags Flown at Half-Staff in Honor and Mourning in Honor of Officer Gregg Benner

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Governor Susana Martinez Orders Flags Flown at Half-Staff in Honor and Mourning of Rio Rancho Police Officer Gregg “Nigel” Benner

Santa Fe, NM — Today, Governor Susana Martinez issued an executive order for flags to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, June 4, 2015 in honor and memory of Rio Rancho Police Officer Gregg “Nigel” Benner.

The full text of the executive order is below:

EXECUTIVE ORDER 2015-009
FLAGS FLOWN AT HALF-STAFF IN HONOR AND MOURNING OF RIO RANCHO POLICE OFFICER GREGG “NIGEL” BENNER

     WHEREAS, On Monday, May 25, 2015, Rio Rancho Police Department Officer Gregg “Nigel” Benner was shot and killed during a traffic stop;

     WHEREAS, Officer Benner was a four-year veteran of the Rio Rancho Police Department who served his colleagues and community with courage, dedication, and distinction;

     WHEREAS, before beginning his career in law enforcement, Officer Benner served his country in the United States Air Force for twenty-three years, retiring as a Master Sergeant;

     WHEREAS, this terrible tragedy hits close to home for all New Mexicans, and underscores the danger that our police officers face every time they walk out the door to keep our families safe; and

     WHEREAS, Officer Benner is survived by his wife, Julie, and six adult children, Tanya, Bryony, Sharon, Tracey, Jennifer, and Samantha;

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, Susana Martinez, Governor of the State of New Mexico, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the Laws of the State of New Mexico, do hereby order that all flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, June 4, 2015, the day Officer Benner is laid to rest. The thoughts and prayers of the people of New Mexico go out to Officer Benner’s loved ones in gratitude for his service and in mourning for their loss.

SIGNED AT THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE THIS 3^rd DAY OF JUNE 2015.

WITNESS MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO.
SUSANA MARTINEZ
GOVERNOR

ATTEST:
DIANNA J. DURAN
SECRETARY OF STATE

FGGAM PODCAST: Pastor Dewey Podcast: Remembering Officer Gregg Benner

Community mourns the loss of Officer Benner