Bernalillo County, NM (KKOB) — The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office has received the final investigative report from
the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) regarding the Metro 2 helicopter crash on July 16, 2022. This
devastating event resulted in the loss of four invaluable lives, deeply impacting our team and our community.
When Sheriff John Allen assumed office in January 2023, he recognized the potential for the NTSB report to
suggest that improvements were needed in the operation of the Metro Air Support Unit (MASU). In response and
noting the previous administration’s rapid and premature reinstatement of MASU just months after the tragedy,
Sheriff Allen immediately grounded the unit. He initiated a comprehensive review and overhaul of all operational
procedures to enhance safety and effectiveness, including revamping and creating new standard operating
guidelines and acquiring a new aircraft that meets the highest safety standards.
Throughout his first year, Sheriff Allen, in collaboration with MASU members and Bernalillo County Fire
Rescue, conducted a detailed evaluation of all protocols and procedures in accordance with industry standards.
This comprehensive year-long review was crucial before the confident relaunch of MASU in December 2023,
now supported by increased safety measures, including adding an extra pilot and mechanic.
“In light of the NTSB’s findings, it is clear that our decision to pause and thoroughly overhaul MASU was not
only necessary but critical,” stated Sheriff Allen. “We have taken every possible step to ensure such a tragedy
does not happen again. We owe it to our community and to the families of Pilot Undersheriff Larry Koren,
Lieutenant Fred Beers, Deputy Micheal Levison, and BCFR Rescue Specialist Captain Matthew King to uphold
the highest standards of safety and service. We will honor their memory with our actions.”
