State resources will be fully available to assist the investigation.' She added: 'As we await additional details on the investigation, my office will offer any available support and assistance to the sheriff's office and the county. 'These were four dedicated public servants who were doing what so many of our first responders do day in and day out: working tirelessly to serve and protect their fellow New Mexicans.'

Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement. 'I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of four New Mexicans while in the line of duty,' Gov. Many raised flags and saluted as a caravan of motorcycles, police vehicles and fire trucks brought the men back to their home, located about 123 miles southeast of the crash siteįirst responders and other officials lined the interstate Sunday to pay tribute to the crew who have been hailed as 'heroes.' Officials say the investigation is 'still considered preliminary.' It remains unclear if he was flying the chopper at the time of the crash, the Albuquerque Journal reported. Undersheriff Koren - who had been with the department for more than 23 years - was an aircraft mechanic and pilot. Minutes later, the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) confirmed their chopper had crashed and there were 'no known survivors.' New Mexico State Police confirmed the crash and the fatalities around 12.15am Sunday. The chopper, dubbed Metro 2, crashed around 7.20pm near Chapelle, a small area about 25 miles south of Las Vegas, N.M.Īerial video from KOAT-TV showed the wreckage of the helicopter in at least two pieces among some desert shrubs.

The helicopter and its crew had been assisting with the East Mesa Fire on Saturday by providing bucket drops and other air logistics needs to fire crews on the ground. Fred Beers (left) and county Fire and Rescue Department Specialist Matthew King (right) also died in the crash

Sure cuts a lot 4 crashing