Members of the Albuquerque Heights Composite Squadron, or Spirit Squadron, laid a wreath last week at Vista Verde Memorial Park in honor of Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Fred Beers.
Beers was one of four first responders who died in a July 16 helicopter crash near Las Vegas, New Mexico, earlier this year. Maj. Mary Fox, commander of Spirit Squadron, organized the ceremony for Beers, who was an active member of Spirit Squadron since 2020, alongside his son Daniel.
The squadron is part of the Civil Air Patrol, an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force with more than 56,000 members whose primary role is to carry out emergency service missions.
Fox said 10 squadron members were present for the Dec. 23 wreath placement and ceremony. Beers is laid to rest at Vista Verde Memorial Park.
According to Beers’ obituary, he served in the Air Force for two years and earned the rank of Airman First Class prior to joining BCSO. He was a part of Boy Scout Troop 417 in Rio Rancho and was a coach for the AAT Club Track and Country Team in Albuquerque. He worked with the sheriff’s office for 13.5 years and is survived by his wife, son, father and two sisters. Beers died at the age of 51.
