State announces $25M for firefighter and EMT recruitment

The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration announced $25 million in available grants to local fire departments for firefighter and emergency medical technician recruitment.

DFA invites state and local entities to apply for funding from May 15 to June 15.

“We’re proud to announce these grants, which will help bolster the ranks of critically important firefighters and EMT professionals in New Mexico,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “I encourage communities across our state to take advantage of this opportunity to improve public safety and ensure that they have adequate staffing to respond to emergencies.”

The funding helps fire departments offset the cost of new firefighter and EMT salaries, helping to bolster the number of first responders across the state. Increasing the number of paid firefighters and EMTs will improve response times, department capacity, and Insurance Services Office ratings.

"Historically, rural and remote areas of New Mexico struggle with fire and emergency medical responses due to extended response times, large response areas, a lack of firefighters and EMTs, and other challenges in these regions,” said Sandoval County Fire Chief Eric Masterson. “This initiative will dramatically help these communities by increasing the number of first responders available so we can ensure that every corner of our state, no matter how remote, has the support and resources needed when someone picks up the phone and calls for help.”

Awarded entities can use the funding to create a pathway to transition volunteer firefighters to full-time paid firefighters for their communities.