
Alfred was a Marchand was a highly decorated officer. Among his commendations were:
* Officer of the Year, 1982
* Combat Cross
* Three Exceptional Duty Awards
* Five Honorable Service Awards
* Five Grand Cordon Citations
* Director's Commendation
On July 1, 1990, Marchand became the first agent assigned to the newly formed Otero County Narcotics Enforcement Unit (NEU).
Staff Writer Michael Shinabery's reporting beats crossed paths numerous times with Marchand. In 1996, he covered Marchand's bid for an Otero County Commission seat. Shinabery said at one candidate forum, while several candidates were virulently arguing over issues of self-proclaimed importance, Marchand's sense of humor poked through the political stuffiness.
He last talked to Marchand shortly before Marchand's retirement.
"Al had a dream," Shinabery said. "He told me when he took off his badge for the last time he was going to follow his dream and become a flight attendant. He also told me he had found spiritual peace and contentment in his life."
On a whim, he signed up, said friend Connie Lane. "He just decided to do something really different. It really surprised us."As it turned out, he loved it.
He and his wife of four years, Rebecca, had met for the weekend in Boston. She was scheduled to fly back to New Mexico when her husband flew off to work, but the pair almost changed plans to spend a few more hours together in the air. She considered switching to fly on his plane.
In the end, she worried that she might not be able to rearrange her flights to get home and kept her original plan.
Here are some messages on legacy.com that have been left for Alfred and his family.....
Well Al.. its comin around again. We will get thru it like we have the past 7 yrs. but just know each year that it goes by, it NEVER gets easier! You would think i would miss u less and less as time goes by, but it is exactly the opposite. I miss you more and more! I still cant believe you're gone... U have been such a HUGE influince in my life. I remember when we went to Canada and u were driving me to the mall. I wanted to take a picture and accidentally opened the back of the camera. All the pictures that you took of family and friends in North Dakota were gone!! but u didnt get mad, u just looked at me and even tho i know u wanted to yell, u jus shrugged it off n said u would go get some new film. U always had that comfort feeling about u that always made me feel safe! i know u are still with me now and i hope i make u proud. Although i wish i could see u as i walk down the isle, or have you hold my children when they are born, i know u will be rite there with me thru it all. I honestly believe you are my guardian angel, and will get me thru life, as you would if u were still here with us. I love you so much and miss u incredibly!!!! See u soon! Love ur tunia.. <3 Melinda Casares, Alamogordo, New Mexico
I worked closely with Al several years ago, while I was Sales Mgr. at the Cellular One office in Alamogordo. Although I only knew him in a professional capacity, I thought a lot of him. Al was always professional, gracious and kind.
I remember hearing his name on the television news, on that day and my heart literally broke into a million pieces. All I could think about was his family. I still hurt for you all.
I wear a silver bracelet with Al's name and flight number engraved on it, in his memory. It serves as a reminder of just how precious life really is. I will never, ever forget. My life was changed forever on that day. I owe a huge debt of gratitude that can't ever be repaid.
Be Blessed....You are truly loved. Andrea Miles, Rio Rancho, New Mexico