Officials say move will not affect response times and helps protect insurance ratings

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - Doña Ana County commissioners have approved the decommissioning of a former volunteer fire station in Garfield that has not responded to calls in recent years.

The Board of County Commissioners voted to remove Fire Station 33 from the county’s fire system after it went unused for at least two years, part of an effort to improve efficiency and maintain reliable emergency response.

Fire and emergency medical services for Garfield will continue without interruption, with Fire Station 31 in Rincon remaining the primary responding unit. County officials said the shift ensures calls are still handled quickly and effectively.

Interim Fire Chief Sean Heck said the change is intended to strengthen service while avoiding unintended impacts on homeowners’ insurance costs. Keeping an inactive station in the system can negatively affect the county’s Insurance Services Office rating, which insurers use when setting premiums and coverage eligibility.

The county is also working on an agreement with the Village of Hatch to operate fire services from a closer location once finalized, which officials say could further improve response coverage in the area.

Officials said residents should not see any changes in service levels.