James Monroe Vigil served in the U.S. Air Force for 3 years and 11 months. James served during the years of the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
Lieutenant James Vigil was shot and killed after stopping a vehicle for speeding on U.S. Route 54. Unbeknownst to Lieutenant Vigil, the suspect had just shot his 16-year-old wife in Kansas and was fleeing to Mexico. As Lieutenant Vigil approached the car during the traffic stop, the man opened fire with a .22 caliber handgun, striking him twice. Lieutenant Vigil was able to return fire, wounding the suspect. Although wounded, the suspect walked to Lieutenant Vigil, took his gun, and shot him twice more. The suspect then took the gun and fled but was found later after committing suicide. Lieutenant Vigil had been with the Alamogordo Police Department for over six years.
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In tribute
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Lieutenant Vigil gave the Alamogordo Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Alamogordo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Lieutenant Vigil.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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