PAGOSA SPRINGS– Deputy William (Bill) Lucero, a longtime law enforcement officer who previously served in the San Luis Valley was found dead at his residence Tuesday during a welfare check in Archuleta County where he has served as a deputy sheriff since the spring of 2022. Currently, the cause of his death is unknown.

According to Archuleta County Sheriff Mike Le Roux, Deputy Lucero’s career spanned over 30 years, including serving as a United States Marine. He served as a sheriff’s deputy, police officer and police chief with multiple agencies across Southwest Colorado, including the San Luis Valley.

Lucero was a Rio Grande County deputy for about one year and became Center Police Chief in 2011. Prior to that, he served in Ignacio with the Southern Ute PD.

“Our deepest sympathy and condolences are extended to Deputy Lucero’s family and friends,” Le Roux said in a press release.