The City of Alamogordo, along with Alamogordo MainStreet and several community partners, is preparing to host a special dual dedication ceremony this Friday in the heart of historic downtown.The event will honor the memory of a fallen law enforcement officer while also celebrating a longtime local family’s contributions to the community.The ceremony kicks off at At May 16th. 12:00 PM at the corner of 10th Street and New York Avenue with the dedication of a new memorial star recognizing Sheriff Bill Rutherford. Rutherford was the first known law enforcement officer in the area killed in the line of duty back in 1923. 

General Hydronics Utilities owned by Edwin Boles and Charles Martin sponsored the memorial star, and the Tularosa Basin Historical Society created and installed the historical placard and stand.

After the memorial dedication, attendees will walk a short distance to the corner of 9th Street and New York Avenue for the official unveiling of the Sheffield Family Clock. The clock was donated by the Sheffield family in support of the city’s downtown revitalization efforts.The Sheffield family has been a cornerstone of downtown Alamogordo for decades, contributing through business leadership, historic building restorations, job creation, and strong civic involvement. The new clock stands near a property the family developed in 1971 and serves as a lasting symbol of their deep roots in the community.

“We are deeply grateful to the citizens of Alamogordo and to the many customers our family business was honored to serve for 60 years,” said Larry Sheffield on behalf of the family. “We dedicate this clock to the past, present, and future caretakers of Alamogordo’s beautiful, historic downtown buildings.”

Nolan Ojeda, Executive Director of Alamogordo MainStreet, highlighted the importance of remembering local history.“Downtown Alamogordo is more than buildings and streets—it is the shared story of the people who built this community through service, sacrifice, entrepreneurship, and civic pride,” Ojeda said. “These memorials help ensure those stories remain visible and meaningful for future generations.”Local officials, law enforcement, and members of the public are all invited to attend the free event. 

The program will include brief remarks, mayoral proclamations from Sharon McDonald , and ribbon cuttings at both locations.

Event Details:Date: Friday, May 16, 2026

Time: 12:00 PMLocation 1: Corner of 10th Street & New York Avenue – Sheriff Rutherford Memorial Star

Location 2: Corner of 9th Street & New York Avenue – Sheffield Family Clock

Cost: Free and open to the public

This dual dedication reflects Alamogordo’s ongoing commitment to honoring its past while building a stronger, more vibrant downtown for the future.

See related story on the Sheffield family at https://2ndlifemediaalamogordo.town.news/g/alamogordo-nm/n/375784/famil…

See the movie trailer of the movie "Cosmic Trigger" created by Larry Sheffield premiering at Flickinger on May 16th at https://youtu.be/471WuF9hTcQ?feature=shared