Lawrence George Koren

Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office Undersheriff Larry Koren, 55, died in the line of duty Saturday, July 16, 2022. Larry was born June 19, 1967, to Mildred and Lawrence Koren in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Larry has lived in New Mexico since 1970. He graduated from Highland High School in 1985. He attended a local community college where he met his best friend and bride, Maria Koren, whom he married in 1999. Larry gained multiple skills as an aircraft mechanic, helicopter rescue pilot, college instructor, licensed elementary school teacher, emergency medical technician, law enforcement officer, administrator, and leader. Larry earned an associate degree from Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell and Albuquerque Technical-Vocational Institute, a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of New Mexico, and a Master of Criminal Justice from New Mexico State University. Larry also graduated from the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command. In 1998, at 30 years old, Larry began serving the people of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff. He served in various assignments, including field deputy, crisis negotiator, field training officer, school resource officer, public information officer, tactical flight officer, helicopter rescue pilot, sergeant, and aircraft mechanic. Over the past four years, Larry served as an Undersheriff. Larry’s love for the department and community inspired him to run for Bernalillo County Sheriff in 2022.

Larry grew a love for aviation as a young boy. He pursued his passion and became a renowned pilot and pioneer for the air support unit for Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. His contributions to aviation have provided an invaluable resource to the State of New Mexico, saving countless lives, fighting numerous state and federal fires, and conducting thousands of law enforcement air support missions.

Larry loved his family, friends, and community and will be remembered for his kindness, optimism, and tireless work ethic. Larry brought light to any situation and was a voice of wisdom. Above all, Larry was a devoted husband and father. The family enjoyed flights in their personal Cessna, camping, hiking, kayaking, and spending time together. Maria was thrilled to walk alongside Larry on their daily walks. Love surrounded them, joy embraced them, and these peaceful memories will rest within her and their sons.

Larry is survived by his wife, Maria Koren; sons, Justice and Carson Koren; sisters and their spouses, Maureen and Art Manring, their children and grandchildren; Lauretta and Bruce England and their children; and numerous family members and colleagues. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred and Lawrence Koren; and sister, Jeannie Koren.

A Memorial Service will be open to the public and will take place on Friday, July 29, 2022, 10:00 a.m., at The Pit University Arena, 1111 University Ave. SE. A reception following the service will take place at El Pinto Restaurant, 10500 4th St. NW from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.. There will be no procession following the service.

Flowers are welcome and appreciated. In remembrance of Larry’s life, the family asks that any monetary donations be made to the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy Alumni Association. The treasurer, Abel Avila, can be contacted at: Treasurerbcsocaaa@gmail.com.