The Associated Press
ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) - Law enforcement workers in Otero County are grieving the deaths of two longtime deputies who died the same day - one a victim of a fatal gunshot, the other a victim of cancer.
Otero County Deputy Robert Hedman was responding to a domestic dispute at a home east of Cloudcroft on Saturday when he was shot and killed by a suspect.
Perry Clarke, a nine-year reserve deputy who worked on courthouse security, had a less-publicized death. He died Saturday of cancer.
Both men were longtime veterans of law enforcement agencies in this southern New Mexico community.
Gov. Bill Richardson ordered flags to fly at half-staff Wednesday and Thursday in honor of Hedman.
“Thousands of people in New Mexico are affected by domestic violence,” Richardson said Tuesday. “This is a tragic example. Deputy Hedman died courageously in the line of duty. I’ll never forget his commitment to his family, his job and his community.”
Otero County Sheriff John Blansett said Hedman had worked in the mountains for about a year and had been building a home there.
“Bob was very dedicated and well-respected by the citizens in the mountain communities and his peers,” Blansett said.
Police said Hedman was shot by Earl Flippen, 38, as he responded to a call of domestic violence Saturday night. Neighbors had reported hearing gunshots.
Authorities also found the body of Deborah Rhoudes, 30, who police believe Flippen fatally shot before the deputies arrived. Rhoudes was pregnant at the time of her death. Her 3-year-old daughter, who was not seriously hurt, was turned over to relatives.
Flipped was shot and killed by a second deputy who responded to the call with Hedman.
State police said Monday that items apparently stolen in three or four burglaries in the area over the past month were found in Flippen’s home.
“He furnished his house with other people’s property is what it boils down to,” Otero County Deputy John Lee said.
Flippen also was wanted on two Texas warrants, including one for probation violation, state police Lt. Jimmy Glascock said Monday.
Before joining the sheriff’s department, Hedman had worked about six years at the Alamogordo Department of Public Safety. Clarke also had worked there for 20 years as an ambulance driver, firefighter and police officer.
DPS Chief Sam Trujillo said both men had contributed a lot to the department and would be missed.
Of Hedman, Trujillo said: “I have tremendous respect for anyone who puts on a badge and risks their life for the benefit of others. Bob Hedman will be missed.”
Sheriff’s department employees were to be briefed about Hedman’s slaying. A counseling team was available for any employees needing support.
“It’s rocked the whole department,” Blansett said of Hedman’s death.
A memorial service for Hedman, a Vietnam veteran who also had worked for law enforcement agencies in Tularosa and Lincoln County, was scheduled for Thursday at Christ Community Church in Alamogordo.
Hedman, the father of two children from a previous marriage, is survived by his second wife, Cheryl, and two stepchildren.
Clarke’s funeral service was Tuesday.