While the station has remained part of the County’s fire system, it has not answered or responded to any emergency calls in the past two years.
Source: Doña Ana County
The Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution during Tuesday’s regular meeting to officially decommission Fire Station 33 in Garfield, a former volunteer station that has not been staffed or responded to calls in recent years.
While the station has remained part of the County’s fire system, it has not answered or responded to any emergency calls in the past two years. As part of an ongoing effort to ensure efficiency, accountability and high-quality services, the Board of County Commissioners determined that formally decommissioning the station is the most responsible path forward.
Interim Fire Chief, Sean Heck, emphasized that the change is part of a broader effort to strengthen, not reduce, service to the community.
“Our priority has always been providing fast, dependable emergency response to everyone we serve,” Interim Fire Chief Sean Heck said. “By realigning our resources, we’re ensuring that coverage remains strong and efficient, while also protecting residents from any unintended impacts to insurance ratings.”
Maintaining an inactive station within the fire system can negatively affect the County’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating, which plays a role in determining homeowners’ insurance premiums and coverage eligibility. Decommissioning Station 33 helps protect favorable ISO ratings and supports long-term affordability for residents by avoiding potential increases.
Fire and emergency medical services for the Garfield area will continue without interruptions. Fire Station 31, located in Rincon, will continue to be the primary responding units for the area, ensuring all emergency calls are handled quickly and effectively.
In addition, Doña Ana County is working to finalize a memorandum of understanding with the Village of Hatch. Once completed, fire services will begin operating out of Hatch, bringing an even closer response location to better serve the Garfield community.
Interim Chief Heck emphasized that residents should not experience any change in service levels and that emergency response coverage in the area remains a top priority.
The County remains committed to delivering efficient, responsive and sustainable emergency services to all residents.
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