RELEASE: DFA awards $1.6 million to equip 30 New Mexico fire departments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 20, 2026

DFA awards $1.6 million to equip 30 New Mexico fire departments

SANTA FE — 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 today.

The grants will fund 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.

In 2024, DFA funded 190 new firefighter and EMS positions statewide. Local communities, especially rural and remote areas, have long struggled with fire and emergency medical responses due to extended response times, large coverage areas, and a shortage of first responders.

The public safety workforce-building initiative at DFA provides financial support to local governments for recruitment, retention, and equipment for new public safety hires.

The 30 equipment grant awardees 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

Henry Valdez

Director of Legislative & Local Govt. Affairs

Office of the Secretary

c. 505.490.5245