EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The United States Honor Flag is traveling to Doña Ana County to honor the life of fallen Patrol Deputy Antonio Aleman who was killed in a traffic crash in the line of duty on July 8.
As we previously reported, Aleman was killed while on patrol on eastbound Interstate 10 near the Avenida de Mesilla exit in Las Cruces. His patrol vehicle collided with the back of a semi-truck. He was transported to MountainView Regional Medical Center in Las Cruces, where he later died from his injuries.
“Aleman served faithfully with the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office for four years. He is remembered as a loving husband and devoted father, survived by his wife and two young children,” the Honor Flag organization said in a news release.
In recognition of his sacrifice, the United States Honor Flag — a symbol that has flown at Ground Zero in New York City, over the Pentagon, in Iraq, and at hundreds of funerals for America’s heroes — will be present in New Mexico to honor Aleman and stand with his family, colleagues, and community during this time of profound loss, the organization said in a news release.
“We stand with the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office, just as we do with every agency across our great nation when one of their own makes the ultimate sacrifice,” said Chris Heisler, founder of the United States Honor Flag. “Our hearts are with Deputy Aleman’s family, his fellow deputies, and his community. He will never be forgotten.”
Additional details on the Honor Flag’s arrival and ceremony participation will be posted on the United States Honor Flag Facebook page in the coming days, the organization said.
Here is some history about the U.S. Honor Flag, according to the organization’s website.
“The United States Honor Flag’s origin began shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. An American flag and a Texas flag were gifted to Chris Heisler from the Texas House of Representatives as a thank you for taking Texas first responders to Ground Zero.
“The flags traveled with Chris as he led the largest convoy of first responders in United States history to Ground Zero. This American flag memorialized the fallen heroes of 9/11 and this began an unwavering commitment to ensure America’s heroes are never forgotten.
“Heisler took this American flag with him as he served in the U.S. Army in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Texas National Guard.”
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