New Mexico State police sergeant dies on duty, suffered medical incident

New Mexico State police said Police Sgt.Thomas Vitale suffered an unexpected medical incident while on duty Saturday and did not survive.

Officials said Sergeant Vitale was a dedicated and hard-working member of the New Mexico State Police family, and he will be sorely missed.

Vitale served with the New Mexico State police for 18 years and was assigned to District 12 Deming, NM. He is also a veteran of the United States Army. He is survived by his wife and three children.

“This tragic incident leaves us mourning the life of an extraordinary man. While we mourn the passing of Sgt. Vitale, we are blessed to have known him. Sgt. Vitale was an example of what every State Police officer strives to be,” stated New Mexico State Police Chief Pete Kassetas. “He was dedicated and passionate about serving his state and community and did so in a distinguished and honorable manner. We will miss Sgt. Vitale greatly, and he will never be forgotten.”