Borderland remembers fallen Las Cruces officer Jonah Hernandez
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – Friday, Feb. 16 was a day of remembrance for fallen Las Cruces Police officer Jonah Hernandez, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a trespassing call at the 300 block of South Valley Drive in Las Cruces this past Sunday.
Friday morning, students at Americas High School in El Paso gathered to honor Hernandez. Hernandez attended the school from 2004-07.
A candlelight vigil was also held Friday night in Las Cruces.
The school’s Student Council put together a wall of honor for students to write messages for Hernandez’s family. Americas sophomore and Student Council member Dariadna Alvarez explained why they chose to make the wallpaper tribute.
“It was just a good chance for us to have a moment of silence and to respect him as a hero in our community,” Alvarez said. “(Hernandez was) someone that protected us and that once they passed away in the line of duty, we could reciprocate those feelings and respect them and just protect them and their family as well.”
Alvarez said that with Hernandez being a former Trailblazer, it brought the school together, and she added that Hernandez always be a Trailblazer.
Our KTSM team was also present at the candlelight vigil in honor of Hernandez at the Albert Johnson Park at 896 N. Main St. in Downtown Las Cruces Friday evening.
Hundreds gathered at the park to remember Hernandez and his service and sacrifice.
Hernandez’s closest friends, partners and family took the podium to pay tribute and tell stories and offer insights.
“Ever since he was a kid, he told me that he always wanted to be a police officer and serve as an example to his two kids, and Jonah did accomplish that goal. You became a police officer and a better father,” said LCPD officer and Hernandez’ best friend, Carlos Hernandez. “I know he’s looking over us right now with a big smile on his face, and I know he did not regret anything.”
Jonah Hernandez’s sister-in-law Marlene Lopez spoke for his family.
“I witnessed all the love he had for all of his family. He was an amazing person and he had so much love to give. I know there was more love that he had to give,” Lopez said.
With a heavy heart and accompanied by their child, Hernandez’s wife Yesenia Lopez delivered a few words.
“He had a heart of gold and I’m sure everyone knows that,” she said.
Moved by the large community presence, Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story thanked his fellow Las Crucens.
“Thank you for all your love and support. We have received thousands of phone calls, emails and texts offering your condolences, offering your support,” he said with a broken voice.
Story helped Hernandez’s family light the first candles, which were followed by the large crowd lighting more.
As the evening grew dark, the golden lights of hundreds of candles covered the Albert Johnson Park, as the community bid farewell to Hernandez.
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