Funding will support protective gear and equipment purchases as part of statewide firefighter hiring effort

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - Fire departments in Las Cruces, Mesilla and Sunland Park are among 30 agencies across New Mexico set to receive state funding for new protective gear and equipment.

The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration announced Friday it will distribute a combined $1.6 million in grants to fire departments statewide. The funding will support purchases tied to new firefighter hires, including breathing apparatuses, turnout gear, helmets, face shields and other safety equipment.

Las Cruces, Mesilla and Sunland Park are all included in the list of departments receiving the grants.

State officials say the funding is part of a broader effort to strengthen local public safety staffing and response capacity. In 2024, the agency supported the addition of 190 firefighter and EMS positions across New Mexico.

Many communities — particularly in rural and remote areas — continue to face challenges with emergency response due to long travel distances, large service areas and ongoing staffing shortages.

The grants are intended to support recruitment, retention and equipping of new hires as departments work to expand their capabilities.