By Matt Robinson
The Deming Headlight
LUNA COUNTY, N.M. — Fires better think twice before starting in western portions of Luna County.
With the creation of the Savoy Fire Department, the county will have emergency responders in an area previously left to departments of other districts.
“The west end was left open, it was shared amongst Cooke’s Peak and Sunshine (Volunteer Fire Departments),” Sean Curtis, Savoy Fire Chief, explained. “It’s not that they were unable to be involved in the area, but response times were greater because of distance.”
Though created by a resolution of Luna County in Dec. 2009, Savoy is not yet a full-fledged department, as the process is lengthy and requirements — such as for equipment — are high. However, while Curtis seeks a full institution of his department, it is able to help other departments.
“They are the primary responders, and we are there to assist them,” Curtis, who has had first responder experience as a California highway patrolman, said of area departments. Local fire departments include the Deming Fire Department, Cooke’s Peak Fire Department, Sunshine Fire Department and Columbus Fire Department. “We have already responded to fires; We have already engaged in training.”
He said his department and the compliment of 15 volunteers — with roughly 50 years experience — can take the responsibilities as primary responder once it is ready.
“The Deming Fire Department is always the primary responder as far as structure fires go,” he added.
Currently, Curtis said, the department is focused on expanding its inventory of equipment used in fire response.
“One fire truck with a second unit in the works, an array of personal protective equipment, miscellaneous hand tools and equipment including communications,” Curtis detailed. “We want to make sure that we are providing the best service possible to our community.”
Curtis, a county resident since 2006, has fully immersed himself in the community surrounding Red Mountain. He has taken steps to meet and get to know locals, which has resulted in friendships and volunteers for his department.
“I’ve always had an interest in fire service, but it wasn’t until multiple members of the community came by and asked, “Why don’t you start a fire department?’” he said. “My understanding is that this has been a want for over 20 years in the Red Mountain community.”
During the April regular meeting of the county’s Board of Commissioners, a lease agreement between Savoy and the county was approved. Because a fire department must be housed within property owned by the government, Savoy leased a portion of their premises to the county for $1 each month.
Following the meeting, Commissioner Fred Williams said the department should be valuable for the surrounding area and “mutually beneficial” for Savoy and the county.
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