-and-
Feb. 11, 2025, marks a solemn and sorrowful anniversary for the Las Cruces Police Department, for the City, and especially for family and friends of fallen patrol officer Jonah Hernandez who was killed in the line of duty one year ago.
Source: City of Las Cruces
“Not one day has passed that Jonah is not in our memories, in our hearts and actions as we continue to heal from that painful loss,” said Chief Jeremy Story. “We, as a department, are strengthened by Jonah’s family who has every right to be bitter and dejected, but instead they continue to display kindness and provide inspiration as we move forward together.”
Hernandez left behind a loving wife and two sons, now ages 11 and 3.
The Las Cruces Police Department is honoring the life and legacy of Hernandez in several events. On Friday, Jan. 31, former Las Cruces Police Department officer and now country music artist Frank Ray hosted a songwriter’s round for Hernandez’s family and LCPD officers at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum. Ray was accompanied by singer-songwriters Trannie Anderson, Seth Mosley and Jordan Walker who performed for about 250 family and first responders.
On Tuesday, Feb. 11, LCPD officers and some City staff will gather for a private memorial to honor and celebrate the life of Jonah Hernandez.
On Sunday, Feb. 16, officers will participate in the second annual New Mexico Fallen Officer Memorial Run in downtown Las Cruces. The 3.3-mile run, open to all runners and those who wish to walk the course, honors fallen officers from throughout the region. The Memorial Run begins at 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, at Las Cruces City Hall, 700 N. Main St.
Hernandez, who had been with the Las Cruces Police Department just two years, was stabbed multiple times after responding to a trespassing call about 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, on the 300 block of south Valley Drive. A witness intervened, neutralized the suspect and provided initial aid to Hernandez while first responders were summoned to the scene.
Hernandez was transported to MountainView Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries. Hernandez was 35 years old.
Hernandez was laid to rest Feb. 21, 2024, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery in his hometown of El Paso, Texas.
Operation Not In Vain
Operation Not in Vain, a three-month crime reduction project in memory of fallen Las Cruces Police Department Officer Jonah Hernandez, generated 127 felony arrests, 114 misdemeanor arrests, 89 criminal citations and more than 1,200 traffic citations during its three-months operation.
“The success of this operation underscores the importance of collaboration among state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies,” said Jeremy Story, Chief of the Las Cruces Police Department. “By combining resources and expertise, we have made a positive impact on the safety of our community.
“While this is an important step forward, we recognize there is still much work to be done. Together with our partners, we remain committed to pressing on and addressing the challenges ahead and ensuring justice and safety for all Las Cruces.”
The operation, which began Aug. 5 and concluded Nov. 8, utilized law enforcement personnel from the Las Cruces Police Department, New Mexico State Police, the U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics Agency, representatives from the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and other federal task force agents.
Final stats, by the numbers, from Aug. 5 through Nov. 8:
- 1284 Traffic citations
- 291 Reports taken
- 209 Trespass warnings
- 127 Arrests (felony)
- 119 Field interviews
- 114 Arrests (misdemeanor)
- 89 Criminal citations issued
- 29 Warrants (search/arrest) completed
- 25 Stolen vehicles seized/recovered
- 24 Separate narcotics seizures
- 12 Firearms seized/recovered
- 15 DWI arrests
“This operation is a testament to the power of collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies,” said Troy Weisler, Chief of New Mexico State Police. “By working together, we’ve successfully taken dangerous criminals, illegal firearms and narcotics off the streets of our communities, making New Mexico safer for all.
“Our commitment to keeping these threats off the streets remains steadfast. We will ensure that Officer Jonah Hernandez’s sacrifice was not in vain and continue to stand united in our fight against crime to protect the safety of our citizens.”
Law enforcement personnel seized more than 3,200 fentanyl pills and roughly 54 pounds of methamphetamine during the operation. The operation also tallied 607 consensual contacts with members of the community and 539 meetings with local businesses.
