Hundreds honor fallen Bernalillo County sergeant

An American flag waved gently in the air as police sirens blared in the background to honor the life of Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Michael Schlattman Monday morning.

Hundreds of people, a majority of whom were law enforcement, filled the seats of the Rio Rancho Events Center to pay their respects to Schlattman, who was struck and killed during a traffic stop on Interstate 40 on Feb. 23. Schlattman is the first officer killed in the line of duty in New Mexico this year.

The truck driver hasn't been charged or cited, and the collision is still being investigated as of Monday. Schlattman's birthday fell on the day of the funeral. He would have been 53.

Sheriff John Allen, who gave the opening remarks during the funeral, spoke of Schlattman's various accomplishments as a sergeant and as a man, holding back tears at one point as he talked about how much joy Schlattman brought BCSO.

"The example he set through his kindness, his resilience, his humor and his relentless drive has led us all on the path to follow," the sheriff said. 

Schlattman was known for his infectious smile, his positive attitude and love for high-speed pursuits around the city, Allen said. But in between jokes and reminiscing of earlier times in BCSO, Allen said he and all other members of law enforcement knew how dangerous the job was and how any day could be their last.

"As all of law enforcement knows, every time we leave home, going back home is never a guarantee," Allen said. "This reality on this day became a nightmare. We lost one of our own." 

Capt. Santiago Roybal, who served as Schlattman's supervisor, began his eulogy by sharing some of Schlattman's interests outside of work, including cars, pets, working out and his love for his family. 

"It's almost impossible to talk about Mike without having a smile on my face," Roybal said. "Mike was someone that you could count on. He'd have your back without question. And as a supervisor, I could count on him to complete any assignment I gave him."

While everyone gathered for a somber and tragic occasion, the event center was filled with laughs as everyone traded personal stories about Schlattman. Some joked about his love of high-speed pursuits while others spoke of him dancing in substation break rooms in between writing reports.

But everyone who spoke shared one thing in common: Their love for Schlattman was strong; they and many others in the room would love him forever.

Schlattman is survived by his fiancée, two stepchildren, sister and his mother and father.

"Although we are suffering through a tragedy, the mission must continue," Allen said. "In those times of hurt and doubt, you always honor the fallen and continue the mission, because this is what our fallen brothers and sisters expect us to do."

Nakayla McClelland covers crime and breaking news. Reach her at nmcclelland@abqjournal.com or at 505-823-3857.