Masterson named new deputy county manager

BERNALILLO — Sandoval County Fire and Rescue Chief Eric Masterson was approved to be the deputy county manager for County Manager Wayne Johnson by the Sandoval County Commission in a unanimous vote April 9. The position change went into effect April 12.

“This position will allow me to continue to serve the residents and visitors of Sandoval County to the best of my ability, and I will strive to contribute to the county’s growth and development by achieving the goals identified,” Masterson said.

Chris Bagley, Sandoval County’s deputy fire chief and EMS specialist, will serve as interim fire chief.

In his new role, Masterson will be responsible for overseeing the operations of several departments within the county, specific programming and other duties as assigned by the county manager.

“I’ve known Chief since before he was chief, before he was a deputy chief, when we were practicing together as equals way back in the day. I’ve watched him grow. He’s a man of integrity, and I believe he’s going to do the best of the last that we’ve had through that position,” Commission Chair Michael Meek said after the vote. “I believe he’s got a thorough understanding of our community, and he’s raised his troops behind him to be able to fill the void that he’ll be leaving because we’re not going to let him do both. We look forward to everybody who’s going to step up. This will be a great time in the fire department because this will be a whole slew of promotions, which is a great thing for the environment. And I think that’s a great choice.”

Commissioner Josh Jones agreed that it was a great hire.

“I’ve had the opportunity to sit in meetings with the new DCM; he’s very knowledgeable. I don’t think there’s a question that has been asked that he didn’t have an answer to,” Jones said.

He acknowledged Masterson’s work with the native communities in the county as well.

Masterson started as a volunteer firefighter in 2006 and joined the Fire and Rescue Department in 2007, holding positions of increasing responsibility including paramedic, lieutenant and deputy chief before assuming the role of chief in 2019, according to the Sandoval County communications department.

“Eric Masterson has served the residents of Sandoval County for almost 20 years, and his leadership has long been recognized within the county. We are confident that his experience, expertise and creativity will be of significant benefit to the county, and we look forward to seeing him excel in this expanded capacity as he did during his Fire and Rescue career,” Johnson said.

Masterson holds a Master’s of Public Safety Leadership and Administration from Arizona State University and is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer program from the National Fire Academy, according to the communications department. His other degrees include a Bachelor of Science in EMS management and an associate degree from CNM. He and his family reside in Rio Rancho.