Los Alamos Police Department officers at Monday’s memorial for police officers. Pictured are, front row from left, Chief Dino Sgambellone, Sgt. David Randleman, Deputy Oliver Morris and Cmdr. Preston Ballew. Back row: Cmdr Daniel Roberts, Cmdr James Rodriguez and Det.Sgt. Ryan Wolking. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Gina Binion, wife of Ronald J. Binion, is accompanied back to her seat by LAPD Chief Dino Sgambellone.during Monday’s memorial event. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com
Chief Dino Sgambellone thanked those present for attending the memorial help honor those who have died in the line of duty; to remember their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families. He noted that there are currently more than 21,000 names of officers killed in the line of duty inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C.
“Representing those officers killed in the line of duty in 2022, 246 names will be added to the memorial. 37% of these fatalities were felonious including 64 that were killed by gunfire,” Chief Sgambellone said. “The officers include federal, state, local, tribal and territorial police officers and corrections officers. There were six officers who lost their lives in New Mexico; 1 during a vehicle pursuit, 2 from COVID-19, and 3 in a helicopter crash.”
He called attention to two plaques that are part of the LAPD memorial. The first honors and remembers residents of Los Alamos who became police officers in other jurisdictions and were killed in the line of duty. They include Anthony Holly, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Glendale, Arizona on February 19, 2007, and Carl Richard Talafous who was killed in a helicopter crash in Hortense, Georgia on July 14, 1993.
The second plaque honors and remembers Los Alamos Police Officers who have retired and passed on before us. This year, we would like to honor and remember Ronald J. Binion whose wife Gina was present.
Chief Sgambellone read Binion’s obituary as follows:
Ronald James Binion, a resident of Alcalde, departed this life on Saturday, October 16, 2021, unexpectedly surrounded by his family. Ronald is survived by his wife of 30 years, Gina Binion, sons; Jude (Cherry) and Shane (Amanda).
Ronald was born on April 19, 1967, to Robert and Cristella Binion. Ronald was born and raised in Tierra Amarilla and lived life to its fullest. Ronald spent many hours helping his father learn the tricks of the trade. He enjoyed the outdoor life of going for wood, hunting, fishing, camping, and gardening. Likewise, he shadowed his mom in the kitchen cooking, canning, preserving, and baking. Ronald was the first of four brothers. He loved each one unconditionally and would go to the ends of the earth for them. They spent many days fishing and playing basketball and baseball at the local park across the street.
Ronald graduated from Escalante High School in 1985 and continued his education at Northern New Mexico College. After graduation from college, he joined the Army National Guard where he served for six years. He worked in various law enforcement agencies until his retirement after 25 years from the Los Alamos Police Department in 2012. Ronald was a Patrol Corporal and retired as a Detective.
Ronald had a great love for the Lord and served him wholeheartedly. He was a God loving man, so forgiving and compassionate. He was active in the Knights of Columbus, a Hermano of Los Pachecos, participated in Acts and other church activities.
He loved his wife and boys more than life itself and supported them through all their accomplishments. He encouraged his family to love the Lord and ground their lives by keeping God as their anchor. Ronald spent numerous hours providing for his family and more recently spending precious quality time with each of his grandchildren Azaryah, Shane Jr., and James. Ronald loved his family and enjoyed making memories with them. As the oldest sibling, Ronald always checked in on his brothers daily.
“Each and every day, brave men and women in law enforcement put themselves at risk to keep our society free from crime and disorder. Most return home to their loved ones, but some are called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice. Let us be thankful for their courage and sacrifice, and hold their memories close and within a place of honor,” Chief Sgambellone concluded.
Trail Life/American Heritage Troop NM1412 unfurl the flag at Monday’s memorial ceremony at the Los Alamos Justice Center. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Los Alamos Police Department Sgt. David Randleman was the emcee for Monday’s memorial ceremony. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Members of the Elks Lodge stand close to Los Alamos Police Chief Dino Sgambellone Monday afternoon during the memorial service. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
A memorial plaque is partially covered with blue tape prior to the new names being uncovered. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Wives and children of LAPD officers watch Monday’s ceremony. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Relatives of Ronald J. Binion at Monday’s memorial ceremony. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Relatives of Ronald J. Binion at Monday’s memorial ceremony. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Los Alamos Police Chief Dino Sgambellone poses with members of Trail Life/American Heritage Girls NM1412 following Monday’s event. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com