Volunteers Needed

The fire and EMS services of Valencia County, Los Lunas, Belen, Rio Communities, Peralta and Bosque Farms have a problem; you could be the solution we are looking for.

These services all operate a volunteer fire component. In the case of Rio Communities, Peralta and Bosque Farms, they are the only component. Valencia County, Belen and Los Lunas have a career staff that is the primary response, however the county relies heavily on volunteers as well sense the career staff only cover from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Here in lies the problem: volunteers are harder to come by these days it is a national problem. So when you call or your family calls, is someone going to respond? As volunteers, we all have other jobs and families so we can’t always be there.

With more volunteers, we can ensure more coverage and a better response to the citizens and visitors of the community. It will also ensure a bigger response to critical calls so all the current career and volunteer staff work in a safer environment. Safety is our first priority; we want everyone to go home at the end of the day.

There are many benefits to becoming a volunteer. You will receive all necessary equipment and uniforms. Your training is also free through the state fire academy and most departments will pay for some EMS schooling. Most of the departments also offer a stipend or pay per call set up. This provides you as the volunteer some compensation for your time.

Some departments have a junior program, which allows participants to be under 18. Most departments also have an auxiliary for those of you that may not want to fight fires. There are other ways to serve and this is also a good way for the spouses of the member to also get involved. The departments also have a tradition to celebrate holidays and other special events together, much like any other family would.

I’m sure by now you are curious how you can start this new adventure in your life. Well we have you covered. Contact your local agency or pick one you would like to try and they will happily guide you through the process they are all different and each agency has their own guidelines as far as specific requirements.

The contact information is all below; this awesome opportunity is just a phone call or click away.

The Valencia County Fire Department includes the following fire districts:

• Tomé-Adelino

• Valencia-El Cerro

• Meadow Lake

• Los Chavez-Highland Meadows

• Jarales, Pueblitos, Bosque

444 Luna Ave.

Los Lunas, NM, 87031

505-866-2040

valenciafd.com

Los Lunas Fire Department

465 Sand Sage Road

Los Lunas, NM, 87031

(505) 866-2116

Loslunasnm.gov

Peralta Fire Department

90-a Molina

Peralta, NM, 87042

505-869-2050

Townofperalta.org

Bosque Farms Fire Department

1455 W. Bosque Loop

Bosque Farms, NM, 87068

505-869-2358

Bosquefarmsnm.gov

Belen Fire Department

198-100 S. Fifth St.

Belen, NM, 87002

505-916-2714

Rio Grande Estates Fire Department

108 Rio Communities Blvd.

Rio Communities, NM, 87002

505-864-6161

(Justin Reser is a career lieutenant with Valencia County Fire Department. He started as a junior volunteer in Bosque Farms and was also a volunteer for Rio Grande Estates.)