Rio Rancho Fire and Rescue Secures State Equipment Grant Among 30 Recipients

Rio Rancho Fire & Rescue received $26,112.50 from the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration as part of a statewide equipment grant program that distributed a combined $1.6 million across 30 fire departments, the DFA announced March 20.

Chief James Wenzel said the funds will go directly toward protective gear, specifically turnout coats, pants and helmets for department members. "This funding supports RRFR's commitment to its members with state-of-the-art PPE and equipment, enabling crews to continue operating safely and effectively in the performance of their duties in serving our communities," Wenzel said.

The DFA equipment grants are designed to outfit new public safety hires, covering high-priority gear including self-contained breathing apparatuses, face shields, safety goggles and other specialized protective equipment. The program is part of a broader DFA workforce-building initiative that provides financial support to local governments for recruitment, retention and equipment. In 2024, DFA funded 190 new firefighter and EMS positions statewide; Wenzel said RRFR received funding for 11 of those firefighters under that earlier grant.

Bernalillo Fire Department was also among the 30 recipients statewide, which ranged from Farmington and Taos County in the north to Las Cruces, Sunland Park and Deming in the south.

Rio Rancho's equipment award arrives alongside a separate round of state fire funding for Sandoval County. Through the FY26 Fire Protection Grant program, administered by the New Mexico State Fire Marshal's Office, four Sandoval County departments collectively received $1.5 million from a statewide pool of $22 million distributed to 69 departments. That program is funded by a 3% premium on insurance policies reinvested into local fire departments.

Under those Fire Protection Fund awards, the Rio Rancho Fire Department received $500,000 for a bay addition. The Town of Bernalillo was awarded $500,000 for station grounds improvements at Station 2, Corrales Fire Department received $500,000 to upgrade its water system, and Cuba Fire Department received $25,000 in stipend funding to help recruit and retain volunteer firefighters.

State Fire Marshal Randy Varela said the Fire Protection Fund awards carry direct consequences for communities beyond the firehouses themselves. "Investing in local departments, especially those with limited resources, can enhance firefighter safety, provide better fire protection services to New Mexicans, and improve their Insurance Services Office ratings," Varela said. The Fire Grant Council, composed of firefighters from across New Mexico, reviews and ranks applications annually to determine distribution based on community need.