Marking the Watch: Las Cruces Fire Department Honors Service and Tradition

On January 9, LCFD gathered at Fire Station One to honor the retirement of Fire Officer Jeremy Eckhart, whose career with the department began in 2006 as a member of Academy 24. Nearly two decades later, Eckhart’s final ceremony was rich with symbolism and gratitude. A flag-lowering marked the end of his watch, and he was surrounded by the colleagues who had become his second family over the years.

During the ceremony, Eckhart was presented with tokens that reflected the depth of his service and the respect he earned along the way: a helmet signed by fellow firefighters, a retiree badge, a shadow box displaying badges from throughout his career, and an “Oath of Office Fulfilled” plaque. Each item told a story of commitment, courage, and a career dedicated to protecting the Las Cruces community.

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Just two days earlier, on January 7, that same sense of tradition and continuity was on display as the department welcomed a new fire engine through a ceremonial “push-in.” Dating back to the 19th century—when horse-drawn equipment was manually pushed into stations—the ritual symbolizes teamwork, pride, and the shared responsibility of safeguarding a community.

The new 2025 engine replaces the 2012 Engine 4 and will continue serving District 4. Firefighters physically pushing the engine into its bay echoed a tradition passed down through generations, linking today’s crews with those who came before them.

Taken together, the two moments reflect the rhythm of a department built on service: honoring those who have carried the mission forward, while preparing the next chapter with new tools and renewed purpose. In Las Cruces, tradition is not static—it’s lived, shared, and carried forward by the people who answer the call, day after day.