The New Mexican community lost a compassionate, caring man and public servant this week: Lea County Sheriff, Rod Coffman, was found dead in his home Sunday, December 4. Over the last several years, Animal Protection of New Mexico’s staff has had the great honor of working with Sheriff Coffman. His commitment to animal protection issues was deep, leading to Animal Protection Voters’ endorsing him in his election for Sheriff in November 2010. Sheriff Coffman was always ready and available to testify in favor of stronger laws for animals at the New Mexico Legislature.
Sheriff Coffman took seriously the ban on cockfighting and worked tirelessly to ensure that his office intervened and challenged cockfighting activity in southeast New Mexico. He was a champion for all animals and his passing represents a huge loss for the entire community.
We are also reminded that a year ago, almost to the day, Sheriff Coffman and his wife rescued a dog who had been hit by a car and left on the side of the road to perish. Here is the story:
Over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 2010, APNM staff received a call from Lea County Sheriff, Rod Coffman, who was at the scene of a dog who had been hit by a car. Sheriff Coffman and his wife, Christie, immediately jumped into action, securing life-saving medical care for the injured dog at their own personal expense.
“This dog obviously has a strong will to live. We continued to attempt to locate the owner and puppies, but have had no success.
Here's my request: Can you please help me find her a permanent home? I've never seen a dog with a sweeter disposition. She never once winced, whined, or cried during the entire time we were trying to work with her, comfort her and move her. She never snarled, growled or snapped when checking her injuries. She will be an excellent, loving dog that will need some TLC. She is brindle colored, with a white face and weighs 68 lbs. I'm going to see her in a little while. I can use all the help I can get for her care.”
-Sheriff Coffman
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Sheriff’s family for their incalculable loss.
Follow APNM on: Facebook | Twitter
