N.M. Stat. § 21-21F-2
Legislative intent.
The legislature recognizes the importance of the duties performed by our fire fighters
and peace officers and the debt we owe to the fire fighters and peace officers who have
lost their lives in the line of duty. The intent of this act [21-21F-1 to 21-21F-5 NMSA
1978] is to make a small payment on that debt by providing their survivors with an
opportunity for a college education.