New Mexico firefighter killed in helicopter crash honored by community: ‘His compassion was just unmatched’

A funeral was held on Monday for a New Mexico firefighter killed in a helicopter crash final month. 

Bernalillo County Fireplace Lt. Matthew King was one in every of 4 first responders killed within the crash on July 16. He had served Bernalillo County for greater than 11 years.

“His motive for making use of was as a result of, and I quote, ‘It’s my lifelong objective to turn into a firefighter paramedic.’ I’d say he met his lifelong objective after which some,” Deputy Chief Zach Lardy mentioned, in accordance with KOAT.

King was one of many authentic six personnel chosen to assist develop a helicopter-based rescue program, which has responded greater than 400 instances and helped 1000’s of New Mexican residents.

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“We have been all afraid of disappointing Matt,” Lardy mentioned.

He was seen as a mentor by his fellow service members. He had mentored and skilled greater than 50 cadets to turn into firefighters in Bernalillo County, in accordance with Division Chief Joshua Ellis.

“I responded to a name for a woman who was having bother respiratory. Whereas we have been inside her home, Matt held her hand and helped transfer her to our mattress. He by no means let go. His compassion was simply unmatched,” Ellis mentioned.

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Lt. Matthew King had mentored and skilled greater than 50 cadets to turn into firefighters in Bernalillo County.
(Bernalillo County Fireplace Division)

King leaves behind his spouse and youngsters.

“Audrey, I do know he liked you greater than any phrases might presumably specific. Aedden and Kyra, your dad, obsessively talked about how happy with each of you he was,” Lardy mentioned.

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Lt. Matthew King served Bernalillo County for greater than 11 years. This image is a file picture of a Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Workplace helicopter.
(Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Workplace)

He was given the medal of honor, Line of Obligation Dying medal, and his Ceremonial Axe earlier than his neighborhood mentioned farewell.

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“Chief one hearth management. Please present ultimate dispatch for Lt. Matthew King,” Fireplace Chief Greg Perez mentioned.

King, 44, was killed in addition to Bernalillo County Undersheriff Larry Koren, 55, Lieutenant Fred Beers, 51, and Deputy Michael Levison, 30.

The primary responders have been on board the helicopter serving to to struggle the East Mesa Fireplace, dropping buckets of water over the blaze, the sheriff’s division mentioned on Twitter.

All communication was misplaced with the crew after the helicopter refueled and was on its manner again to Albuquerque. The helicopter went down close to Las Vegas, New Mexico. It is unclear what induced the crash.