William "Bill" James Lucero, a native of Colorado, passed away suddenly on Jan. 9, 2024, at his home in Pagosa Springs. Bill was born on May 9, 1964, at Monte Vista Hospital to Joe and Erlinda (Manzanares) Lucero.

He is survived by his parents, his children — Chance, Kohbe, and Isabella Lucero; his brothers — Anthony Lucero and Danny Lucero; his sisters — Judy Lucero and Jeanette [Randy] Martinez; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Bill's educational journey began at Monte Vista Elementary School, where he later graduated from Monte Vista High School. After completing high school, Bill went on to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1984-1988. Bill had three aspirations in life: to serve his country, become a police officer, and be a teacher. Upon completing his service in the Marine Corps, Bill enrolled in Trinidad Community College and completed the Police Academy. He received his POST Certification and landed his first job as a Police Officer with the Monte Vista Police Department in 1990.

Bill dedicated over three decades of his life to law enforcement, serving with various agencies in Colorado. He worked his way up to the rank of Sergeant at the Monte Vista Police Department, continued his service as an Officer at the Town of Pagosa Springs Police Department, and became a Deputy for the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association (PLPOA) commissioned by the Archuleta County Sheriff's Office. Afterward, he worked as a Lieutenant for the Southern Ute Police Department and was a member of their SWAT Team, a Deputy for the Rio Grande County Sheriff's Office, the Chief of Police for the Center Police Department, and a Deputy for the Alamosa County Sheriff's Office and Archuleta County Sheriff's Office, where he concludes his service.

Bill enjoyed several hobbies: coaching football at Monte Vista Jr. High School and Sangre High School, smoking delicious BBQ, entertaining his guests, and cooking up a storm. He took overwhelming pride in smoking some ribs while enjoying a cold Bud Light. Bill never shied away from a cook-off and always gave his best.

William “Bill” James Lucero will complete his journey home with a Law Enforcement procession from Hood Mortuary in Durango, Colo., to Mountain Valley Mortuary in Monte Vista, Colo., on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024.

A service will be held in the Monte Vista High School Gymnasium on Saturday, Jan. 20, at 11 a.m. Finally, he will be laid to rest at the Homelake Cemetery. Following the burial, the family would like to invite Law Enforcement, family and friends to the Nazarene Church Gym for a Celebration of Life meal.