Catron Sheriff’s Deputies Compete In Battle Of The Badges

By Richard Torres
Catron County Sheriff’s deputies Ian Fletcher and Ray Goetz recently participated in the Battle of the Badges, a fundraiser in Rio Rancho, July 26.
The event was a full-contact arena football game, a “grudge match between cops and firefighters.”
“I played most of the game as a lineman,” Fletcher said.
Goetz played nose guard. A crowd of more than 1,400 cheered on the teams in the indoor arena located at the Santa Ana Star Center.
“It was a very physical game,” Fletcher said. “This was my first time playing in such an environment. A special moment in the game came when Joe Harris Jr. entered the game. His father was slain in the line of duty, and he took his place on the team. I had a lot of fun, a few sore muscles, and I would do it again.”

Photo caption: Catron County Sheriff’s deputy Ian Fletcher (72) stands in the huddle of policemen/ football players during the Battle of the Badges, a fundraiser game between police and firefighters at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho. Courtesy photo

Catron Sheriff’s Deputies Compete In Battle Of The Badges