Sandoval County issued the following announcement on May 16.
Sandoval County Fire, and Rescue Chief Eric Masterson is proposing to enter into a partnership with Bernalillo Fire and Rescue to provide fire protection and EMS to the Sandoval County residents in the East Mountain communities of Sandoval County.
The agreement between the Counties would provide for staff of up to 11 highly trained professional firefighter/EMTs to cover all calls in Sandoval County’s East Mountain areas 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In the case of a fire, this will also provide East Mountain residents, 18 firefighters, on the first alarm, which according to Chief Masterson is the highest first alarm response rate in all of Sandoval County.
“Sandoval County has always been proud to partner with other public safety jurisdictions to ensure that the citizens and visitors of the County are protected by efficient and highly trained firefighters and EMTs,” Masterson said. “When long-term sustainable options exist to provide professional and efficient fire protection and EMS to Sandoval County’s residents, Sandoval County Fire and Rescue believe they should be pursued.”
At its May 21, 2020, Sandoval County Commission Meeting, Fire Chief Masterson will present to the Commission the proposed agreement between Sandoval County and Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue which would enable Bernalillo County to become the 911-emergency responders to the East Mountain areas of Sandoval County.
Upon Commission approval, the partnership will ensure all residents of these communities are provided professional, sustainable, efficient, and highly-trained fire protection and EMS services.
Bernalillo County would be using all the resources they have in the East Mountains to expand services to Sandoval County residents, which include numerous professional firefighters, EMT’s, and paramedics, who are stationed just south of the Sandoval County line.
Sandoval County has been fortunate to have several dedicated volunteer members of the Sandoval County Fire and Rescue Department serving the East Mountain areas. These volunteers will continue to have an opportunity to serve their community through opportunities with the East Mountain CERT (Certified Emergency Response Team) or the Sandoval County Wildland Fireteam.
Volunteers serving in these capacities will help the community with a variety of support functions that prepare the community for disasters or emergencies.
As per the agreement, the Sandoval County fire station located in La Madera will still be utilized as an active station that has emergency equipment available for use in the area.
“Ultimately, this expanded partnership would ensure that the long-term health and safety of the La Madera area of Sandoval County is sustainable and achievable,” Masterson said. “Sandoval County looks forward to the approval of this agreement and the enhancement of services to its East Mountain communities.”
Original source can be found here.
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