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Taos sheriff.Taos County Sheriff's Office Sgt.Joseph Apodaca, right, and Sheriff Steve Miera rest during a body recovery operation beneath the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge in March 2023.Apodaca was killed Friday night while driving a motorcycle when he collided with another deputy's pickup during a chase on N.M.518 near Ranchos de Taos.A Taos County sheriff's sergeant was killed Friday night after crashing into another deputy's pickup when they were both looking for a suspected reckless driver.Joseph Apodaca, 36, suffered fatal injuries in the crash a little south of Ranchos de Taos and was pronounced dead at 11:44 p.m.by the Office of the Medical Investigator, according to a news release from New Mexico State Police, who are investigating the incident.Joseph Apodaca was the kind of leader who did not seek recognition but earned the respect of everyone around him through his actions," Taos County Sheriff Steve Miera said in a news release sent out by County Manager Brent Jaramillo on Saturday morning."He led with humility, professionalism, and quiet strength.His commitment to this community and to his fellow deputies never wavered." Apodaca started his career with the county working at the county jail in February 2014, joining the sheriff's department in January 2018.He was also a member of the department's Swift Water Rescue Team."His death is a painful reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face each day in service to their communities,"state Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Jason Bowie said in a statement."On behalf of the Department of Public Safety, I extend my deepest condolences to Sergeant Apodaca’s family, his fellow deputies, the Taos County Sheriff’s Office, and all who knew and served alongside him.According to state police, deputies were trying to find a suspected reckless driver on N.M.518, the High Road to Taos, between Ranchos de Taos and Talpa around 10:25 p.m.They believed the driver had turned onto a dirt driveway near the 7200 block of the road.A deputy driving a marked police pickup started to make a left turn into the driveway, and Apodaca, who was driving a department-issued motorcycle, collided with the driver's side of the pickup."The New Mexico State Police is committed to supporting the Taos County Sheriff’s Office in any way we can as they grieve the loss of their brother," Matthew Broom, chief of the New Mexico State Police, said in a statement."We ask all New Mexicans to keep his loved ones, friends, and fellow deputies in their thoughts as they navigate the days ahead.” The suspected reckless driver had not been located or identified as of midday Saturday, according to a state police spokesperson.Taos County Commission Chair Miguel Romero, a former Taos County sheriff, expressed condolences on behalf of the commission.Apodaca made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our community, and his dedication to protecting the people of Taos County will never be forgotten," he said in a statement."We stand in support of his loved ones and the entire sheriff’s office during this incredibly difficult time, and we ask our community to keep them all in their prayers." The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office and Santa Fe police also expressed condolences in social media posts."We honor Sgt.Joseph Apodaca’s service, sacrifice and dedication to protecting others," the sheriff's office post stated."Our thoughts and prayers are with Taos County, and the colleagues and family of Sergeant Apodaca," the city police wrote.