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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A state police officer died on duty Saturday after a medical incident, according to officials.

Sgt. Thomas Vitale was assigned to the 12th district headquartered in Deming.

He served with state police for 18 years and was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

“This tragic incident leaves us mourning the life of an extraordinary man,” State Police Chief Pete Kassetas said in a news release. “While we mourn the passing of Sgt. Vitale, we are blessed to have known him. Sgt. Vitale was an example of what every State Police officer strives to be.”

Vitale is survived by a wife and three children.

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