County Battalion Chief retires after decades of service

BERNALILLO — A county employee hung up his helmet Dec. 10.

Sandoval County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Matt Miller retired after 27 years. The county celebrated his tenure at Wednesday's commission meeting.

"His impact on SCFR will be felt for years," Chief Chris Bagley said.

According to Bagley, Miller served as a PRN firefighter, a volunteer firefighter and a volunteer chief.

"Throughout his career, Chief Miller has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the crews and his community," he said.

He added that Miller "earned the right to do whatever you want."

Miller, after receiving a traditional firefighter axe, thanked his crew and his family.

"I started with Sandoval County working in public works. That's how I am able to retire so young. But the fire department has always been my life," he said.

He also said he grew up in the life and when the opportunity came to join, he did.

The moment was also, for Miller, a way to recognize the people he has seen "grow up" in the department. 

"I couldn't be more proud of the accomplishments that you guys have done," he said.