The Lea County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of Sheriff Steve Ackerman, who was killed in a traffic accident Tuesday evening in Central New Mexico.
The accident occurred on U.S. Highway 285, east of Encino, around 7:30 p.m. He was pronounced dead at the accident scene.
According to our sister station in Albuquerque, KRQE-TV, Ackerman was on his way to Santa Fe to attend the new legislative session. He was the only occupant in the vehicle.
The Torrance County Sheriff’s Office, along with the New Mexico State Police, continue to investigate the accident.
According to news release from the Lea County Sheriff’s Office, Ackerman began his career with Lea County in 1991. He worked in detention for seven years, making the rank of Captain. He then transferred to the Sheriff’s Office in June 2002. After several years, he was assigned to the Training Section as a Specialist in 2006. He was then promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2009, then promoted to the rank of Captain in 2010. In 2014, he was elected Sheriff of Lea County and began his duties on January 1, 2015.
The Lea County Sheriff’s Office is asking the community for their thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of Sheriff Ackerman.
