7-20-2023 6:51pm

Funeral Services for Fallen Alamogordo Police Officer Anthony Ferguson Held Thursday

Chris Edwards Editor

AlamogordoTownNews.com Funeral of Decorated Alamogordo Police Officer Anthony Ferguson

“I never thought this day would come. No words anyone can say can make this pain go away. I will always be your little lady….we were supposed to go to Europe together next year and now that will not happen. I love you so much and I still can’t believe you’re gone, I will always love you forever and always Ferguson," said Britney Mauldin, the daughter of Fallen Officer Anthony Ferguson; Thursday, 7-20-23.

Poised yet heartbroken and brave, she spoke before a crowd of 100s, visibly shaken, her statement of grief resulted in a standing ovation for her bravery to stand before the Alamogordo community and to honor her father.

The very public funeral service of fallen Alamogordo Police Officer Anthony Ferguson was held on Thursday. The service was held at the Tays Center on the campus of New Mexico State University, Alamogordo.

The ceremony was packed with heart and compassion. The overwhelming theme was that Officer Ferguson was loved and respected by family, friends, peers and the community at large.

Officer Ferguson’s service was heavily attended by locals, representatives from emergency response departments from around the state and dignitaries from the state and locally.

New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham was on hand, as was New Mexico Attorney General, Raul Torres. Both kept a low profile out of respect for the family.

Insiders said a private discussion with family was held but has not been confirmed by the Governors office as we go to print.

When one looked down the bleachers the room was filled with a sea of emergency service’s personnel. Each and every member took part in a very the traditional police officer service. From a 21 Gun Salute, to an air fly over and Scottish Bag Pipes tradition was in order.

The casket was draped with the American flag and then folded in a ceremonial manner and given to the daughter of the deceased along with white gloves which are given in honor.

Another show of respect shown was rhe badge shroud or black bands put over or around the badges of the other police officers in attendance as part of the ceremony.

Bag pipes played, bringing Officer Ferguson into the ceremony, and upon his departure from the ceremony, as a leader of the procession in and following the casket out.

Several speeches were given by a former roommate, those his worked with and those close to him but the most memorable was from his daughter which resulted in a standing ovation.

A friend of Ferguson’s said the officer always strived to do the right thing and follow his training. Ferguson was also described by friends as being a loyal and courageous person who was a prankster and who loved chocolate and ice cream. “You are never going to find another one like him. His bravery is unmatched. You’ll never find a brave officer like him,” said a speaker.

A speaker got up and spoke on behalf of other family members and quoted them to include his mother which was quoted as saying “there is a hole in my heart." His brother lightheartedly said, “I was born first but thanks for supporting Tony and family. " A niece described him, “he was my role model.”

The ceremony concluded with “the Last Radio Call” also called the end of watch, the last radio call is done when an officer passes away. The police code for the end of watch is 10-42 and of course “Taps” was played during the flyover and the 21 gun salute.

During the funeral, Ferguson was presented with six awards for his bravery. "In times like these it’s natural to question why such a society why such a tragedy had to befall us, why do bad things happen to good people? We’re all hurting and we’ll all grieve in our own way," said the acting Alamogordo Police Chief.

Ferguson served for the Alamogordo Police Department for over 11 years.

He is survived by his mother, father, four brothers, a son and a daughter.