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Incident
Sergeant Thomas Richmond was shot and killed during a traffic stop of a speeder on Snow Road just outside of the town limits. Unbeknownst to Sergeant Richmond the suspects in the vehicle had just committed an armed robbery in Las Cruces. Both suspects were apprehended. One was sentenced to life and the other to eight years. Sergeant Richmond was a National Guard veteran and had served with the Mesilla Marshal's Office for three years. He had previously served with the Middletown, New York, Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, son, and three daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Sergeant Richmond gave the Mesilla Marshal's Office 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Mesilla community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Thomas Arlen Richmond served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Mesilla Marshal's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Thomas is one of 123 officers killed feloniously in NM, 63.7% of the 193 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1988, 2 officers in NM were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 77 years on record. The heaviest was 1898, with 4.
In 1988, 97 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1988, 105 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 58th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 54. Of the 107 killed feloniously in NM whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 37. Thomas had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 54. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 54. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 13% of these deaths in NM; February holds the most, 14.6%. Wednesdays: 17.9%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Mesilla Marshal's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.7% of all 193 deaths in NM, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Mesilla Marshal's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where
Military Service
Thomas Arlen Richmond served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit Thomas Arlen Richmond’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Mesilla Marshal's Office are honored on badge.nw.
