Thirty fire departments across New Mexico will receive a combined $1.6 million in state grants to purchase protective gear and life-saving equipment, the Department of Finance and Administration announced on March 23.
The grants are designated for high-priority equipment for new hires, including self-contained breathing apparatuses, firefighter turnout coats and pants, helmets, face shields, safety goggles, and other specialized protective equipment. The funding aims to address the needs of local communities that have faced challenges with fire and emergency medical responses due to extended response times, large coverage areas, and a shortage of first responders.
In 2024, the Department of Finance and Administration funded 190 new firefighter and emergency medical services positions statewide. The department’s public safety workforce-building initiative provides financial support to local governments for recruitment, retention, and equipment for new public safety hires.
The 30 fire departments receiving equipment grant awards include Angel Fire Department, Belen Fire Department, Bernalillo County Fire Department, Bernalillo Fire Department, Carlsbad Fire Department, Clovis Fire Department, Columbus Volunteer Fire and EMS Department, Deming Fire Department, Eddy County Fire & Rescue, Farmington Fire Department, Grants Fire & Rescue, Las Cruces Fire Department, Logan Fire Department, Los Lunas Fire Department, Mesilla Fire Department, Mora County Fire, Moriarty Fire Department, Pecos Fire Department, Portales Fire Department, Questa Fire & EMS , Rio Communities Fire Department , Rio Rancho Fire and Rescue , Santa Fe County Fire Department , Santa Fe Fire Department , Socorro County Fire Department , Socorro Fire Department , Sunland Park Fire Department , Taos County Fire & Rescue , Valencia County Fire Department , Zuni Pueblo Fire & EMS.
More information about the grant awards is available according to the official roster page.
