The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) has awarded $24.9 million in grants to 59 local public entities, as reported by the DFA.
This funding will support the hiring of 190 additional firefighter and EMT positions across the state.
The grants aim to cover the cost of salaries for these new positions over the next three years.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham stated: “Firefighters are on the front lines protecting our communities from potentially devastating blazes every day.”
She emphasized the growing threat of wildfires in the state and the necessity of providing resources to protect communities, including people, pets, and property.
Rural and remote regions in New Mexico have faced long-standing difficulties in fire and emergency medical responses due to factors like extended response times, large coverage areas, and a shortage of firefighters and EMTs.
This initiative is designed to help these communities by increasing the number of first responders available, ensuring that even the most remote areas have adequate support when emergencies arise.
The funding will enable the hiring of more paid firefighters and EMTs, which is expected to improve response times and the capacity of fire departments.
This increase in staffing may also positively impact the Insurance Services Office (ISO) ratings of these departments, which can lead to lower insurance premiums for local residents.
The awarded entities have the option to use the grants to transition volunteer firefighters into full-time paid positions.
This transition is particularly important in communities where volunteer firefighters have traditionally played a key role, but where there is now a need for a more stable and professionalized workforce.
By moving toward paid positions, these departments can ensure more consistent coverage and potentially better outcomes in emergencies.
Among the departments receiving funding are Albuquerque Fire Rescue, Bernalillo County Fire Rescue, and Las Cruces Fire Department, along with many rural and smaller departments such as the Pueblo of Acoma Fire Department and the Pecos Volunteer Fire Department.
This wide distribution of funds is aimed at ensuring that all areas, regardless of size, benefit from enhanced fire and emergency medical services.
The allocation of these funds is set to have a broad impact across New Mexico.
Departments from the Pueblo of Zuni Fire & EMS Department to the Tucumcari Fire/EMS Department will receive support, addressing both urban and rural needs.
The initiative reflects a statewide commitment to improving public safety through increased investment in critical emergency services.
The addition of 190 firefighter and EMT positions will not only enhance the capacity of fire departments but also contribute to community safety across New Mexico.
The focus on both urban and rural areas ensures that the benefits of the funding are felt statewide.
The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration has allocated $24.9 million in grants to fund 190 additional firefighter and EMT positions across 59 local public entities.
This funding, intended to cover salaries for three years, is aimed at improving fire and emergency response times and capacities, particularly in rural and remote areas.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham highlighted the importance of this initiative in light of the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in New Mexico.
The grants will also help transition volunteer firefighters to full-time paid positions, enhancing the stability and effectiveness of fire departments statewide.
