Whitefield began his career with the City of Las Cruces in 2007 as a member of the Department’s 25th Fire Academy after a spending two years with NMSU Fire Department and New Mexico State Forestry Division.
Source: Las Cruces Fire Department, City of Las Cruces
Photo: Courtesy
Justin Whitefield, a Las Cruces firefighter for 19 years, has been named Deputy Chief of Operations for the Las Cruces Fire Department. Deputy Chief Whitefield held the interim position of Deputy Chief of Operations for several months, and began his new duties August 9, 2026.
Whitefield began his career with the City of Las Cruces in 2007 as a member of the Department’s 25th Fire Academy after a spending two years with NMSU Fire Department and New Mexico State Forestry Division. Throughout his career, he has steadily advanced through the ranks, serving as a Firefighter, Driver-Operator, Lieutenant, Battalion Chief, and now Deputy Chief.
From 2021 to 2022, he was assigned to the Operational Support Division, where he managed the Department’s logistical operations before transitioning to the Operations Division to serve as a Battalion Commander. He has also been a licensed Paramedic since 2015.
Throughout his career, Whitefield has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the Department and community. He has led training initiatives, overseen apparatus and equipment programs, supported the Hazardous Materials Response Team, and deployed with regional Incident Management Teams during major incidents.
“His extensive operational experience, technical expertise, and dedication to service is why Deputy Chief Whitefield was a clear choice for the position, said Michael Daniels, Chief of the Las Cruces Fire Department.
Please join the Las Cruces Fire Department in congratulating Whitefield in his new role.
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