Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue

🚨 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN! 🚒

Your opportunity to serve your community and begin a rewarding career with Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue starts today.

🔥 Applications are open now through Sept. 7.

If you're ready to challenge yourself, make a difference, and become part of a team dedicated to serving others, we want to hear from you.

✅ Apply online today at www.bernalillocountyfirerescue.com

Don't wait—take the first step toward an exciting career in the fire service before the application window closes on Sept. 7.

Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue recently celebrated the retirement of Engineer James Villalobos after a distinguished career of service to our community.
 
James earned the respect of those around him through his commitment, compassion, and leadership. Whether responding to emergencies, mentoring firefighters, or supporting the public as a Public Information Officer, he always stepped up with professionalism and integrity.
 
His calm guidance, experience, and dedication made a lasting impact on BCFR and on the many firefighters he mentored throughout his career.
 
Thank you, Engineer Villalobos, for your years of service and unwavering commitment to Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue. Your legacy will continue to inspire.
 
Congratulations on your well‑earned retirement—wishing you and your family health, happiness, and new adventures ahead.
 
 
AnswerTheCall

When the unexpected happens, preparation and quick action make all the difference.

Today, crews from Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue Station 36 responded to a trash truck fire after the driver safely dumped the burning load to prevent the fire from spreading to the vehicle. Our firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and kept the incident from becoming something much larger.

While the cause of this fire is unknown, it serves as an important reminder that what goes into your trash can matters.

♻️ Help reduce the risk of trash fires by disposing of these items properly:
• Never place hot ashes or charcoal in your trash. Allow them to cool completely—at least 24–48 hours—in a metal container before disposal.
• Keep lithium-ion batteries (from phones, tools, toys, vapes, and other electronics) out of household trash. Recycle them at an approved collection site.
• Do not throw away fireworks that may still be active or smoldering.
• Dispose of pool chemicals, paint, fuels, and other hazardous materials through approved household hazardous waste programs.
• Make sure ci******es and smoking materials are completely extinguished before throwing them away.

A single improperly discarded item can ignite an entire garbage truck or landfill. Thank you to the quick-thinking driver and our Station 36 crews for keeping our community safe.

🚒 If you see smoke or fire, call 911 immediately.

LINK IN COMMENTS: Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue and the Los Lunas Police Department are putting on their inaugural Hoops 4 Hope 3v3 basketball tournament

July Promotions & Awards Ceremony | Honoring Service, Leadership and Dedication

On Thursday, July 30, Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue was proud to recognize the outstanding members of our department during our Promotion & Awards Ceremony. This event highlights the hard work, sacrifice and commitment that define our organization.

Promotions:
Division Chief - Nic Lyon
Battalion Commander - Justin Tolliver
Battalion Commander - Steve Owensby
Captain - Joshua Robles
Captain - Juan Lujan
Captain - Scott Wenzel
Lieutenant - Carlos Ogaz
Lieutenant - Julian Tovar
Lieutenant - Paul Fritsch
Lieutenant - Chris Counce

BCFR also honored individuals who went above and beyond—those whose exceptional dedication and service make a profound impact on our community. Your actions remind us of what true service looks like.

Award Recipients:
Gabe DeBaltz for receiving the EMS Excellence Award &
Nic Lyon for receiving the Meritorious Service Medal

Also honored were BCFR members who have devoted their lives to this department and have earned their well‑deserved retirement.

Retirements Recognized:
Commander Steve Lopez
Commander Tim O’Brien
Captain Percy Ortiz
Lt. Jay Graff
Engineer Chris Maes
Engineer James Villalobos

Each of the above individuals exemplifies courage and commitment that keeps our community safe every day.
To those promoted and recognized—thank you for showing us what true service looks like. Your commitment lifts our department, strengthens our team, and protects our community. We’re proud of you—today and always.

🏀 REGISTER NOW for HOOPS 4 HOPE! 🏀

Get ready for a day of basketball, community, and giving back at the Hoops 4 Hope 3v3 Basketball Tournament, benefiting Special Olympics New Mexico! 💜

📅 Saturday, August 15
📍 Atrisco Heritage Academy High School

Whether you’re competing on the court or cheering from the sidelines, this is fun for the whole family!

🏀 Tournament Divisions:
• Top Gun
• Open Men’s
• Open Women’s
• High School Boys
• High School Girls
• Unified Division featuring Special Olympics athletes

🎉 Plus enjoy:
🏀 3-Point Shooting Contest
🎯 Football Target Throw
🥅 Football Field Goal Kicking
🏃 40-Yard Dash
💪 Pull-Up/Dead Hang Contest
🍔 Food Trucks
🛍️ Vendors
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kids Activities
…and much more!

Every team registration helps support the incredible athletes of Special Olympics New Mexico while bringing our community together for a great cause.

👉 Register today:
https://givebutter.com/BCFR3v3basketball

A special thank you to our presenting sponsor, Bank of Albuquerque, for helping make this event possible.

We can’t wait to see you on the court!

BCFR’s Wildland Team was busy last week.

While Wildland Team members completed advanced Rope Rescue Technician training to strengthen BCFR’s Rapid Extraction Module Support capabilities, Wildland Program leadership participated in the Los Alamos Regional Fire Department Exchange.

The exchange brought fire service professionals and partner agencies together to share practical solutions for wildfire mitigation, home hardening, evacuation planning, interagency partnerships, and safe and effective wildfire response.

Both efforts reflect BCFR’s continued commitment to advanced training, regional collaboration, and protecting our communities before, during, and after a wildfire.

BCFR and BCSO hosted their 2nd Annual Guns n’ Hoses Charity Softball Game this past Friday at RGCU Field at Isotopes Park, all in support of Special Olympics New Mexico!

Thank you to everyone that showed up to watch local firefighters from BCFR, AFR, and RRFR and law enforcement officers from BCSO, APD and RRPD participate in this awesome event and thank you to the Albuquerque Isotopes for allowing us the opportunity to utilize their fantastic venue.

Also, a huge shoutout to the Special Olympic athletes from the ABQ Dukes for joining your local first responders for a day of great competition and great community.

Albuquerque showed up strong!

🚨 TODAY’S THE DAY! 🚒🚓⚾

Join Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue, local law enforcement, and the Albuquerque Isotopes for First Responder Night at Rio Grande Credit Union Field!

🎟️ Two games for the price of one!

🔥 Game 1: Guns N Hoses Charity Softball Game (weather permitting)
⚾ Game 2: Albuquerque Isotopes vs. Round Rock
🕔 Gates Open: 5:00 PM
🕡 Isotopes First Pitch: 6:35 PM
🎆 Fireworks immediately following the game!

This special event benefits Special Olympics New Mexico, helping provide opportunities for athletes across our state.

Bring your family, wear your BCFR gear, cheer on your local first responders, and enjoy an evening of softball, baseball, and fireworks—all while supporting an incredible cause.

🎟️ Scan the QR code on the flyer to purchase tickets or make a donation.

We can’t wait to see everyone at the ballpark tonight! berncounty iafflocal244 County NM

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