Latest news with #LasCrucesFireDepartment
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Doña Ana County Fire Rescue has new deputy chief
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Doña Ana County Fire Rescue has a new deputy chief. The County announced that Cody Haver will serve as the new deputy chief for Doña Ana County Fire Rescue. He will lead the Fire Prevention Division and will serve as the county's fire marshal, a new position for the department, the County said. 'Haver brings nearly two decades of fire and emergency medical service experience. He began his career with the Las Cruces Fire Department in 2004, serving in many roles including, serving as a firefighter, driver operator, lieutenant and most recently as a battalion chief. Haver helped lead the research, creation and growth for the Mobile Integrated Health Program and the Mobile Crisis Response programs at LCFD. He also wrote several state and federal grant proposals to procure personal protective equipment and advanced training opportunities for firefighters,' the County said in its announcement. As a fire marshal at LCFD, Haver coordinated assistance to local restaurants during the COVID-19 public health restrictions to ensure fire safety compliance, the County said. 'Deputy Chief Haver comes to us highly recommended from the Las Cruces Fire Department. He has a wealth of knowledge, experience and proven leadership in the fire service,' Interim Chief Andew Bowen said. 'We are confident his expertise will significantly benefit our department and the community we serve.' Haver earned his bachelor's degree in business administration and master's degree in public administration from New Mexico State University. He is a licensed paramedic through the State of New Mexico and certified paramedic through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Las Cruces names new fire chief
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Las Cruces Fire Department (LCFD) has a new fire chief, according to the City of Las Cruces on Wednesday, March 19. Michael Daniels, a 19-year veteran with Las Cruces Fire, will take command on Monday, March 24. Daniels succeeds Jason Smith, who retired back in January after 22 years of service. Las Cruces Fire chief to retire after 22 years of service According to the City of Las Cruces, Deputy Chief Sean Heck has been serving as interim fire chief since Feb. 1. 'I selected Michael Daniels as our next Fire Chief after a very competitive selection process with strong external and internal candidates,' City Manager Ikani Taumoepeau said. 'It's a testament to the Las Cruces Fire Department and the City of Las Cruces that we have such well-trained and highly qualified personnel who are capable of stepping in and fulfilling the duties of this vital position. 'I have every bit of confidence that Michael will do a wonderful job leading the Las Cruces Fire Department and engaging with our community for years to come.' Daniels began his career with the fire department in July 2006 after serving in the U.S. Navy, according to the City. According to the City, he has previously served as a driver/operator, interim training officer, lieutenant/paramedic and battalion chief before earning the rank of deputy chief. Currently, Daniels is the president of the Southwestern Division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and is one of the governor's appointees on the New Mexico Fire Protection Grant Council, according to the City. In addition, Daniels has earned several awards and commendations throughout the years, including Firefighter of the Year in 2011 by the Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce and received a National Fire Academy Outstanding Research Award in 2020 for the highest-rated community risk reduction research paper he published in 2019 through the Executive Fire Officer Program, the City said. Daniels earned his bachelor's degree in individual studies in 2012 from New Mexico State University. He then earned a master's degree in business administration and was an honor's graduate in 2016 from Western New Mexico University. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Las Cruces Fire chief to retire after 22 years of service
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Las Cruces Fire Chief Jason Smith is retiring. Smith led the Las Cruces Fire Department since Nov. 30, 2020 and had served for 22 years in different roles within the department. Smith announced his retirement in December 2024. His last day on the job is Friday, Jan. 31. The City has named Deputy Chief Sean Heck as interim chief until a permanent replacement is selected from a nationwide search. Smith graduated from LCFD's Fire Academy in 2002 and rose through the ranks. During his career, he served as a firefighter, driver/operator, lieutenant, battalion chief and deputy chief of operations before being named interim fire chief in November 2020, the City of Las Cruces said. He was named permanent fire chief in March 2021. The City of Las Cruces issued the following statement about Smith: 'Smith's tenure with the Las Cruces Fire Department has been marked by tremendous growth. As deputy chief, Smith oversaw the department's division of shifts into two battalions and helped in the planning of the East Mesa Public Safety Complex – a joint fire and police building on Sonoma Ranch Boulevard. 'Smith was instrumental in the approval of two general obligation bonds, in 2018 and 2022, that paved the way for construction of two new fire stations: Fire Station 3 on Valley Drive that replaced a 55-year-old building and Fire Station 9 that's currently under construction on north Sonoma Ranch Boulevard. 'Smith is credited with helping LCFD receive grants that funded nine additional firefighter positions and a paramedic training program. He also helped guide the department through the Covid-19 pandemic. 'All the while, Smith has helped LCFD maintain its status as one of the premier fire departments in the United States with an Insurance Services Office rating of 1. The ISO-1 rating is the best rating a community can receive for its fire protection with only 125 fire departments in the country claiming an ISO-1 rating.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
