Sirens blaring, a giant, loud motorcade consisting of police cars, ambulances, fire trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles is passing along Central Avenue right now as I write this. The parade, if you can call it that, is to commemorate the distinguished life and tragic death of Albuquerque Police Department officer Michael King, 50, who was recently murdered along with officer Richard Smith and three civilians in a bizarre and bloody killing spree. The memorial services for Smith will occur tomorrow.
The event is a welcome reminder that, despite all the problems associated with the APD in recent years, most local police officers are good people who are just trying to do the best job they can under very difficult circumstances. The murder of these two officers is both grotesque and depressing. It's a very sad week for Albuquerque.
