TUCUMCARI, N.M. (KRQE) – It's been exactly one year since a New Mexico State Police officer was tragically shot to death in the line of duty. But his loved ones are making sure his memory will live on. "He was a remarkable person,” said Lt. Jery Hernandez of the New Mexico State Police. O rganizers called it a day of celebration as dozens set out on a 5K race Saturday morning. All to honor the life of New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare. "Today is one year to the day that we lost our brother Justin,” said Hernandez. On March 15, 2024, Officer Hare went to help a man on the side of the highway near Tucumcari when that same man, Jaremy Smith, shot and killed him. While Smith was sentenced to life in prison, Hare's former supervisor, Hernandez, said it would never be enough. Community mourns the loss of NMSP Officer Justin Hare "He took our brother from us whether he pleaded guilty and is going to spend the rest of his life in jail. There's still, there's never going to be closure – there's never going to be justice for Justin. I mean, he's going to spend the rest of his life in jail and, you know, I'm glad,” said Hernandez. One of the racers had a sign attached to her bike with Hare’s end of watch date and told KRQE, "I ride in memory of him. I was one of the EMTs on that call that day. This is just in memory of him because he was a really good friend and he's a brother. And he will never be forgotten." “A day to honor Justin for making the ultimate sacrifice,” said Hernandez. "It's special. It's special not only for us, but for him, but especially for his daughters as they can see that he's never going to be forgotten,” said Hernandez. The race raised nearly $6,000, which will all go to Officer Hare’s three daughters. ...read more read less