State funds 190 firefighter and EMT positions with $24.9 million in awards

The fire and rescue departments in Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, Corrales, Cuba and Cochiti Lake were among 59 local entities that have been awarded grants by the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration on Friday.

The NMDFA awarded funding for an additional 190 firefighter and EMT positions across the state.

The $24.9 million in grants will help offset the cost of new firefighter and EMT salaries for three years.

"Firefighters are on the front lines protecting our communities from potentially devastating blazes everyday," said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. "As fires — and especially wildfires — grow more frequent and more intense in and around New Mexico communities, it makes good sense to provide them with the resources to protect people, pets, livestock and property."

Rural and remote areas of the state have long struggled with fire and emergency medical responses due to extended response times, large coverage areas, a lack of firefighters and EMTs, and other challenges. This initiative aims to assist these communities by increasing the number of first responders, ensuring that every corner of our state, no matter how remote, has the necessary support and resources when someone calls for help.

Increasing the number of paid firefighters and EMTs will improve response times, department capacity and Insurance Services Office (ISO) ratings. Awarded entities can use the funding to create a pathway to transition volunteer firefighters to full-time paid firefighters for their communities.