Two Otero County Sheriff's deputies responded to the home for a domestic dispute with reports of shots fired. They encountered a subject, Mr. Flippens and described him as exhibiting nervous behavior." The deputies also noticed a 3-year old girl crying and blood on the floor. When they asked to go inside they're weren't allowed. While one deputy went to call for back-up, the other, 53-year old Deputy Robert Hedman went around behind the house, the suspect, 38 year old Earl Flippens then shot Deputy Hedman point black and killed him. The other deputy was by the cruiser calling for back-up when Flippens came through the front door and began firing at him. The deputy shot back and killed him. When deputies made their way inside the house, they found Flippens pregnant live-in girlfriend, shot to death. Her 3 year old daughter was inside too, but she was unharmed. The woman inside the home was identified as 30- year old Deborah Rhoudes. Neighbors say the family was new to the neighborhood. Deputy Robert Hedman worked at the Otero County Sheriff's Department for three years, but had been in law enforcement for several more. Agency Information: Otero County Sheriff's Department 3208 N. White Sands Boulevard Alamogordo, NM 88310 Phone: 505-437-2210 December 23, 2004 -- Otero County Sheriff's Deputy Robert Hedman is remembered Thursday afternoon by friends, family and colleagues in the law enforcement community during a memorial service in Alamogordo. Otero County Sheriff John Blansett said Hedman paid the ultimate price to save the life of a little girl that night. Sheriff's deputies, police officers, firefighters and federal agents from departments around the state and several other states attended the funeral. The service concluded with the playing of taps and a 21-gun salute. The flag from Hedman's coffin was presented to his wife, Cheryl.

                  

Walk tall brother, you will never be forgotten. My sincerest condolences go out to all your friends and family and fellow officers who will miss you greatly. We in New Mexico are deeply saddened by the loss
of a good officer........

Santa Fe Police Department, NM
Police Officer, Douglas Kies
kies277@yahoo.com

Date: 12/23/2004
Time: 09:55 PM

Our heartfelt thanks and condolences go out to Deputy Hedman, his family, co-workers and friends for
his dedication to protect those who couldn't protect themselves. We miss all the fallen officers everywhere. We owe them a great debt. May they walk tall beside their brothers and sisters who went
to Heaven before them. May God Bless.

Eunice Police Dept. NM
Chief of Police, Kevin P. Burnam
chiefburnam@leaco.net

Date: 12/23/2004
Time: 11:02 AM

Walk tall, walk tall and protect us from above with honor and dignity. May you lead the charge for
citizens right in heaven as you did here on earth

Darrell Thompson
Privet Security Officer St. Clair Co. MI,
Community College Campus Patrol #14
darrell@policespecial.com
www.sc4.edu

Rest in peace, and may God allow him to keep watch over us on earth while he patrols his beat
in heaven. Our prayers go out to the Officer and his Department and family. May they all find peace in their hearts soon.

From all the Staff at Police Special Inc.