Rio Rancho Police Lieutenant Pete Camacho doesn’t believe
in artificial barriers. Municipal limits and county lines are not important when
one of his law enforcement brothers is in need. When he was told by Bernalillo
County sheriffs deputies that one of their own was in trouble, Pete and his
brothers in Rio Rancho Department of Public Safety didn’t hesitate to offer
their help.
One of their brothers in arms, Deputy Shannon Key, a nine
year law enforcement veteran was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Deputy
Key is a member of both the SWAT and K-9 teams. He is married with three small
children. The doctor’s prognosis is grim. However, Deputy Key has not asked
for help, financial or otherwise. He continues to work although his treatment
makes it difficult. The deputy’s treatment and limits on work, will put a
substantial strain on his family’s finances. That’s where Pete Camacho and
the rest of our city’s public safety personnel stepped in and created a Rio
Rancho Fund Raiser for Deputy Key and his family.
That was the inception of the "Guns and Hoses"
Softball Tournament. The tournament is scheduled for September 7th thru
September 9th at the Rio Rancho Sports Complex. This is a 24 hour tournament
with three open divisions and highlighted by an exciting game between the
Firefighters and the police, kind of a battle of first responders.
So how can you help? If you have a business or an
organization you could become a sponsor. Maybe you have a softball team, you
could enter the tournament, but hurry only 20 teams per division. Or if you just
like to get outside and watch folks play softball, you can attend the games. If
you want more information on sponsors or playing or even just watching you can
contact Ryan Tafoya at 505-417-1694, or rtafoya@bernco.gov. No matter what you
do, sponsor, play or attend we can all take pride in our Public Safety Personnel
and help them take care of one of their own.
