DEMING – Luna County residents may rest easy knowing that the branches of volunteer fire units have received badly-needed brush trucks. Friday’s delivery of two brand new brush trucks purchased from Pete’s Equipment was met by Luna County Fire Chief Pablo Montoya and members of his staff. The 2021 Ford F-550 trucks will be able to handle all the county needs when it comes to firefighting in rural areas.
“We have a single cab and a crew cab that will help us respond to our citizens of Luna County. Our units are very old, and this is going to provide better equipment and better response for our volunteer firefighters,” said Chief Montoya.
Luna County Manager Chris Brice sees the purchase as a plus for the safety of county residents. The sprawling county may see a quicker response time which is crucial when battling all types of fires.
The cost of the emergency vehicles came in at $228,000 and was paid for from the county’s Gross Receipts Tax (GRT).
Chief Montoya said the county volunteers responded to an average of 250 calls per year, with fires ranging from brush, to structural and even vehicle fires. “We can handle all types of fires, and out new brush trucks will allow us to do more in protecting property and saving lives,” Montoya added. “We even respond to Columbus and helped out due to manpower.”
There are currently 22 volunteer firefighters in the county fire department. The department is servicing three stations. Those include Cooke’s Peak (north), Florida (east) and Sunshine (south).
Luna County Fire also takes care of the Akela, NM area located 18 miles east of Deming and just off Interstate-10.
Also, on hand to receive the new brush trucks were Deputy Chief Phillip Rodriguez, Captain Devin Zamora, and Deputy Chief Chris Holguin.
If you are interested in joining the Luna County Volunteer Fire Department search the Luna County webpage (http://www.lunacountynm.us/). You must be at least 18 years old.
Bill Armendariz can be reached at 575-546-2611 (leave a message) or biarmendariz@demingheadlight.com.