Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

There is a silence that falls over the high desert of New Mexico that is both profound and sacred. It is a silence that holds the whispers of the wind through the mesquite, the distant call of a hawk circling above the plains, and the enduring spirit of those who have walked its earth with courage and purpose. Today, that silence is heavy with a profound loss, yet it is also electric with the enduring echo of a life lived with unwavering dedication. This is a tribute, not to an end, but to a magnificent being: Trooper Justin Hare.

To speak of March 15, 2024, is to speak of a fracture in the world, a day where a shadow was cast by an act of incomprehensible cowardice. But we will not give that shadow a name. We will not etch the title of that hollow, wretched, and morally bankrupt individual into this memory. For they possessed nothing worth remembering—no light, no honor, no legacy. They were a void, a fleeting tremor of darkness that could not comprehend, much less extinguish, the enduring sun of a good man’s spirit. They took a life, but they could never take a legacy. They ended a journey, but they could never unravel the countless paths Justin paved for others with his service, his kindness, and his love.

Justin’s story is not defined by its final, brutal page. It is defined by the volume of chapters written with selfless ink. It is written in the quiet confidence he brought to the communities he served, in the safety he provided as a shield for the vulnerable. It is written in the countless acts of service seen and unseen, the traffic stops that became moments of human connection, the crises met with calm resolve, and the unwavering commitment to stand between chaos and order. His was a life of impact, a ripple effect of goodness that spread from the highways of Tucumcari into the hearts of everyone he encountered.

His most profound and beautiful legacy, however, breathes and laughs and dreams in the world today. It lives on in the three daughters who carry his DNA, his smile, his strength, and his unwavering spirit within them. They are his living memory, the greatest testament to the good man he was. In their eyes, we see his joy; in their spirits, we feel his passion. Through them, Justin’s story continues to be written—a story of love, resilience, and a father’s enduring presence. His legacy is not a monument of stone, but of soul, nurtured in the lives of his girls.

We are left with the immense weight of his absence, a chasm that seems impossible to bridge. The pain is visceral, a raw and aching reminder of what was so cruelly stolen. Yet, in this grief, we also find our duty: to ensure that the name Justin Hare is spoken for generations. We must speak it with reverence, with pride, and with a promise to emulate the integrity he wore as naturally as his uniform. His name must be a beacon, a lesson in character, and a standard to which we hold our own lives.

This is not a goodbye to the man, but a heartfelt commitment to his mission. We will carry his torch of service, his compassion, and his dedication in our own ways. We will honor him by choosing kindness in the face of cruelty, courage in the face of fear, and love above all else.

As we try to find the words for a sorrow so deep, the timeless, soul-stirring lyrics of Boyz II Men say what our own hearts often cannot:

And I'll take with me the memories To be my sunshine after the rain It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.

Trooper Hare, your watch may have ended, but your light will never fade. Your memory is our sunshine. Your legacy is our inspiration. We will remember your name, your service, and your great, good heart—always.

Rest in peace, Trooper. Your community, your state, and a grateful nation hold you in eternal honor.

Harper Dooley
Fellow New Mexican

February 16, 2026

To all fallen officers families,Jesus said at John 15:13 no greater love can some have that he/she surrender his life for those who are his friends,and Jesus also said at John 17:3 I am the resurrection and the life and If someone should die he will live again so our dear officers will be resurrected back to life in a new body and the resurrection will be in a newly restored earth that Jesus is soon bringing after he initiates a destruction of all dangerous people and governments since 1914 Jesus was made a king designate in heaven and he is now coming before too long now to make those dangerous ,and uncaring will be destroyed by angels at Armageddon and a new paradise on earth is promised and those who have died will be brought back to families,with only tears of Joy, and in the newly restored earth no one will cause any harm ! We have this promise from the one who helped God make the universe and earth proverbs 8: 22- end of chapter he was with God his father as first born of all creation, he made man to before the earth was populated by man! Love to all members who serve! From Joseph Smith served with Calgary Police for a time thank you to all who serve!

Retired Paramedic
Retired

January 16, 2026

I just saw this incident on Youtube. Gut wrenching, cant believe what a callous animal the killer was. Shame the officers who caught him didnt shoot him dead.

Aidan Harrison ( civilian in the UK )
None

January 9, 2026

Rest in peace sir. May God watch over your family and your future generations!

A Kentucky State Trooper
Kentucky State Police

June 28, 2025

His last words were offering to help someone.

Rip brother

Wanted to be an officer

June 28, 2025

Nothing like this should never happen all he wanted was to help now there is no father to his children rest in peace trooper hare

Future police officer
None

May 26, 2025

I believe that anybody that takes the life of a law enforcement officer, should be given a DEATH SENTENCE automatically.

My thoughts & prayers are with Trooper
Hares family.

C.E. Kibbe

April 24, 2025

It pains me to see such an offering man lose his soul to this murderer. Trooper Hare was clearly beloved by those around him and I hope for his family's safety.

It angers me to see someone, who I should be able to call 'my people' but can't, commit such a crime. This man should never be let out of jail, never be given any leeway. He is not a person of reason; he's a monster and a murderer and should be treated as such at all times.

Rest in peace, Justin Hare.

Georgia Tech Student
Midwest Safety

April 22, 2025

Law Enforcement Officers face potential unknown danger in every interaction of their job. The rules are in place for protection. TRPR Hare didn't have a chance once Smith exited his vehicle. As a family member of LEOs in MD, my heart breaks for your loss. We have lived with the fear that you have. The prayers, the fears & the pride we feel for our own heroes, we feel for yours as well. May God comfort

Citizen Cebie Dorsey
Sister & Aunt of LEOs

April 21, 2025

I watched this play out on Officer Hare's body cam footage, and My god. Officer Hare was an angel, and was only trying to help the suspect - this is why officers are adamant about suspects getting out of the car on traffic stops. It's not a power trip, it's for their safety. Prayers to the family and the men that helped him during his final moments.

No Rank - Civilian - Sabrina
Viewer of Midwest Safety (Bodycams)

April 20, 2025

my deepest condolences to the family and friends of trooper hare.

no rank janae
midwest safety youtube video.

April 4, 2025

We all love you. You gave the ultimate sacrifice and you will be remembered. I'll pray for your family and kids left behind.

Ofc. Alex

April 3, 2025

My condolences to the family , friends and coworkers of patrolman hare . You didn’t deserve any of this. May your soul rest in peace. Thank you for everything you have done for the world

Danaella
Anonymous

April 2, 2025

Rest in Peace Patrolman Hare. My deepest condolences to his friends, family, and fellow officers. I will be praying for justice.

Ani
random

March 30, 2025

Mr. Trooper Hare.

We loved how you served your State and protected lives of many people. May you rest in peace. You’re with God Now Brother. Although we had no relation or any interactions whatsoever, I would’ve prayed this wouldn’t have happened to one of our awesome troopers.

Moises Correa
No relation yet.

March 28, 2025

God speed brother. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Trooper Walker Powell
Oklahoma Highway Patrol

March 27, 2025

One good thing about being able to view bodycam online is for a case like this, you see for yourself the simple humanity of Patrolman Hare vs the callous emptiness of his killer. His memory is strengthened for it, I pray for his loved ones.

Someone in the UK with no rank
A respectful mourner

March 25, 2025

Trooper Hare was doing his duty ensuring the safety of a vehicle on the side of the road. Even offering a ride into town. I’m sadden to hear the outcome but justice will be served. Rest in peace and thank you for your service.

SGT Resz
US Army

March 25, 2025

I wish you were still here Trooper hare, It's been a year we are glad for what you did while you were alive, I'm grateful that you were trying to help him but it's deviating that he murdered you, luckly he's in jail for life now thank god.

Sam
A random guy who respects cops.

March 25, 2025

Thank you for your service Officer Hare. Rest in peace.

Lexie

March 24, 2025

RIP Officer Hare, may you be in forever peace and all of your years of service are blessings to the citizens of New Mexico.

Samantha

March 24, 2025

The most difficult thing to deal with as a LEO (as well as a retired LEO) is the loss of a brother or sister. We go to too many funerals for our own. I grieve the loss of Justin and pray for the family - the entire family.

Deputy R. Zude #121 (ret)
Kitsap County Sheriff's Office, WA

March 24, 2025

I thank and admire you for bravely and courageously serving your county / state. A kind hearted soul, gone far too soon. My condolences to your family and loved ones and may you rest in peace sir. <3

John S. Alani

March 24, 2025

Thank you for your service.., prayers to your family and friends!!

ᎬᏝᏕᏢᎬᎿᎻ ᎬᎯᏕᎿ

March 21, 2025

Patrolman Hare,
On today, the 1st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of New Mexico. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

March 15, 2025