Sgt. John Ramsey, Jr. 1914-1953 |
John Ramsey was born February 25, 1914, and spent
many of his younger years in the area of Jacksonboro, Texas. He later
relocated to Gallup, New Mexico, and joined the Gallup Police
Department. He resigned that position to join
the Quay County Sheriff’s Department in Tucumcari. He was
commissioned by the New
Mexico State Police on April 1, 1949, and was assigned to Gallup, then later transferred to Hobbs. While
stationed in Hobbs, he was promoted to the
rank of sergeant.
On August 5, 1953, John, fellow state police officer Joe Aven, and Hobbs Police Chief E. W. “Bill” Long, were traveling to Sweetwater, Texas, to continue an investigation into a perjury case and also to attend the funeral of Gaines County Sheriff Robert L. Reynolds, who had been killed in a car accident earlier in the week. As the trio traveled east in John’s police car, they encountered an oncoming car in their lane that was attempting to pass other traffic. John took |
|
|
evasive action, swerving to his right in an attempt to get out of the way, but
at the same instant, the errant driver swerved to his left. As both cars
veered off the roadway, they struck head on. Prior to impact, Joe
Aven leaned over in front of Chief Long, reportedly saving his life. John was killed
instantly. Joe and Chief Long were transported to a nearby hospital, where Joe
died the following day. John was survived by his wife and two sons
and was
buried in Tucumcari, New Mexico.
|
||
