Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Mestas,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 19, 2023

Sergeant Mestas, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 27, 2020

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

February 20, 2013

Emilio was my Dad's best friend and fellow officer. He was standing beside him as I was told on that fateful ,tragic day. Emilio on one side of the tree and my father, Riley Hughes, on the other! This was my Dad's description to me about that day. I remember riding around in the cruiser with my Dad and Emilio when I was no more than 7 or 8 yrs old! (Yes, things were different in those days)! I was never afraid when with the both of them but do remember the adrenaline rush when they would respond to a call! I don't think my Dad ever really got over the loss of Emilio or "Mestas" as he called him and neither have I. I remember those troubled days in Clayton as if it were yesterday. I have always felt Clayton needs some sort of memorial to Emilio and /or any fallen officers from there! I really feel he deserves it!Lastly I would welcome any Mestas family members to get in touch with me as we knew each other well back then! 505-265-6179 anytime THX!

Bill Hughes
Friend of the Mestas Family!

May 29, 2012

I miss my father dearly. Through his death I have learned to understand forgiveness happy fathers day yo my father. 6/19/11

Eileen Mestas Jaramillo
Daughter

June 18, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 37th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 19, 2010

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 13, 2007

I first began an interest in Law Enforcement while in high school in Clayton. I spent many an hour at the Clayton PD. I remember Sgt. Maestas photo hanging in the hallway and how I always felt when I walked by. I spent 23 years serving as a police officer and I have never forgotten the sacrifice that he made. A few years ago I was honored to meet some of Sgt. Maestas family at the memorial service in Santa Fe. I now teach other officers and often use Sgt. Maestas story to illustrate dedication and the fact that you never really know who your advisaries are. God Bless.

Michael Pitts
Former Clayton Resident

September 7, 2006

Thank you for your service to the state of New Mexico. As the wife of an officer, I understand the sacrifice a police family makes every day as you leave for work. I hope your friends, family and co-workers have found peace and comfort in the knowledge that you now patrol the streets of heaven in the years since you lost your life so tragically.

God speed warrior, good rest, and your brothers and sisters in blue will take the watch for now.

APD, LEO's Wife

July 19, 2006

Emilio was my older cousin. He never would have conceived the notion that it would be a teenager that would eventually take his life. He was an officer that cared and more often than not counseled with the teenagers. I offer the utmost respect and support for our police officers who serve our community so courageously as did he.

Judy Valdez
Trustee Town of Clayton

May 12, 2006

As the the current chief for Clayton, I walk past Sergeant Mestas,s photograph each day, It is a reminder of his contributions to the community and how he gave his life for the citizens he served.

Chief Scott Julian
Clayton PD

October 10, 2005

Although I never knew Sgt. Mestas I was Chief of Police of the Clayton, NM police department for two years and we had a special memorial commemoration in 1989 to honor Sgt Mestas. The details surrounding his death were still very sketchy even at that time. I again wish to honor the man who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Billy Sipes
Former Chief Of Police Clayton, NM

July 28, 2005

Sgt. Mestas,
As one officer wrote in another fallen officer's reflection-"No fallen officer should be without a reflection." I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Clayton.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

July 20, 2005