By Gregory Hasman
Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
BLOOMFIELD, N.M. — Even after dying, Bloomfield police officer Timothy Ontiveros continued to give to others.
On Sunday, the 33-year-old died after being shot by Dennis Armenta, 58, during a traffic stop in Bloomfield on May 26 . Armenta was fatally shot by another officer.
After being taken off life support, Ontiveros’ kidneys and liver were donated to three people, New Mexico Donor Services spokesperson Celina Espinoza said in a phone interview Wednesday.
“To lose an officer in the line of duty is really, really difficult,” she said, “and for him to continue to give even after serving his community so valiantly is just a real inspiration.”
Espinoza did not identify the recipients or disclose where they lived, but said the transplants were successful and everyone was “doing well.”
Ontiveros was not a registered organ donor, Espinoza said. If a person is not registered, their family may make the decision on the dying person’s behalf to donate their organs, according to the National Institute of Aging.
Ontiveros’ family said “he had a true heart for service and would have wanted to continue to help others,” Espinoza said.
Only 1 in 1,000 hospital deaths happens in a way that allows for an organ donation, according to the Baylor College of Medicine.
“It’s rare people are able to give the gift of organ donation,” Espinoza said. “It’s a true miracle every time it happens.”
Ontiveros had served with the Bloomfield Police Department since December. He was also a volunteer firefighter with the Aztec Fire Department . He previously worked for Farmington police.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham ordered flags to be at half-staff for five days starting Thursday.
“Officer Ontiveros exemplified extraordinary bravery and unwavering dedication in serving and protecting his fellow New Mexicans,” she said in a statement. “He will be greatly missed by his family and community and will be remembered as a dedicated father to his two daughters, a fighter and a true public servant.
“It is appropriate and proper to acknowledge Officer Ontiveros’ life and service through a public period of mourning across New Mexico .”
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