courtesy
Colfax County Fire Marshal
RATON — On March 27, 2024, members of Colfax County Rapid Response, Raton Fire and Emergency services, along with the Colfax County Fire Marshal made the small trip to Albuquerque to attend the services for fallen State Patrolman, Officer Justin Hare. Officer Hare served Colfax County as a member of Colfax County Rapid Response for six years.
He was a very dedicated member and aided in the start up of this department from its inception. He became certified in structure and wildland fire fighting and responded to incidents that spanned across our County. In 2018 he was accepted to the New Mexico State Police Academy and hung up his Bunker Coat one last time in service to our County to give his service to the State of New Mexico.
Not many knew Justin, “Rabbit” as his fellow firefighters caringly came to know him, but his dedication and service will remain sealed in the history of the department he served. Memories will be passed down about the firefighter they called “Rabbit” and laughs we shared with him during training, incidents and just plain old family time will continue to arise for the remainder of our lives.
Firefighting is often a very thankless job, and it is often said that you are only a volunteer. A “Volunteer”, one who in most cases may not actually have the time but will put everything aside to respond to someone’s emergency, not knowing what awaits them or if they are even going to get to go home after the call. A “Volunteer”, one who is looked upon to maintain the knowledge and training to professionally perform their duties in an efficient manner to save lives and protect property. Colfax County owes “Rabbit” a debt of gratitude for his selfless service to the community of Colfax. The first responders of this County salute Officer Justin Hare and thank you for your service.
