ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Hundreds of people came to show their support for fallen New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare from across the nation, not just New Mexico.

Several agencies from our state came to pay their respects including Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Logan and more.

KOB 4 also saw some of our state leaders, including Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. She mentioned she wished she knew Hare and offered condolences and prayers for his family and loved ones.

“We have lost a member of our family, and we are here to recognize the significance of that incredible loss. But more than that, we gather here today to remember and honor the man, the father, the son, brother, partner, coach and friend for making the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf,” said Lujan Grisham. 

New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler was one of the first to speak at the funeral. He said Hare was the prime example of what they want their officers to be.

Weisler reiterated what he first said when the news about Hare’s death came out.

“I stated it before, but I’ll say it again because I think it needs repeating, ‘The last words Justin uttered on this Earth was an offer to help the man who was about to kill him.’ Let that sink in. The noblest of offers, met with the vilest of deeds,” said Weisler. 

Hare is survived by his parents, his longtime girlfriend, and his two children.

During the funeral, one of Hare’s fellow officers and friend revealed that Hare and his girlfriend, Daizzare Quintana, were expecting their third child.

Quintana stood by another friend and coworker as she spoke about Hare’s love for his two daughters and the excitement he had for the third child on the way.

“Daizzare had shared with me that two days before his passing, they had found out that they were having a baby girl. And that when she told Justin, Justin just said, ‘Well, I guess I’m just meant to be a girl dad.’ They were both very happy,” said Vanessa Martinez, a coworker and friend of Hare. 

Throughout the day, those who knew Hare described him as the type of person who would always lend a hand and put others before himself.

Community members also showed their support Wednesday morning along the procession route. 

Law enforcement agencies started from Daniels Funeral Services in Rio Rancho and made their way to Legacy Church in Albuquerque. 

New Mexicans stopped along the procession to pay their respects. Several people KOB 4 spoke to had a personal connection to law enforcement and most importantly wanted to be there for Hare’s family. 

Police shut down Sarah Road in Rio Rancho and made their way to Legacy Church. 

We caught up with organizers from Blue Knights New Mexico – an organization for active or retired officers – and they say even though they didn’t know him, they felt it was important to come out and pay their respects. 

“We just had to come out and support him, his family, the whole community really. He wasn’t just an officer, he was a part of the community. He tried to keep it all safe just like all of us do,” said Lou Heckroth, a retired Albuquerque police officer. 

We also caught up with a mother and her daughters further along the procession route. This wasn’t the first procession she took her kids to either. They also honored APD Officer Daniel Webster, who died in the line of duty back in 2015. 

Nicolette Garcia says it was important to show her children how to care for others. 

“To show them what respect is all about. Show our love for people even if we don’t know them, and we are always going to be here when someone is in need,” said Garcia. 

We also spoke to several people who were too emotional to go on camera. Many of them have family members in law enforcement and were expressing their condolences to his family and young children.

To watch the full funeral services for officer Hare, click here, and click here for the procession.