Kirtland AFB Fire & Emergency Services

08/05/2026

Honoring Years of Dedicated Federal Service

Kirtland Air Force Base Fire & EMS is proud to recognize three outstanding members of our department who were honored by the Base Civil Engineer for their years of faithful federal service to the Department of War/Department of Defense.

Please join us in congratulating:

* Jacob Archuleta – 10 Years of dedicated service
* Robert Lucero – 21 Years of dedicated service
* Darrell Fixler – 20 Years of dedicated service

These milestones represent decades of unwavering commitment, professionalism, and service to our nation, the Air Force, and the Kirtland community. We are grateful for your dedication, sacrifice, and continued excellence in protecting lives, property, and the mission.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your faithful service! 🇺🇸🚒

08/05/2026

07/11/2026

Many of us knew him as Johnny Gage from the iconic television series Emergency!, but to the EMS community, Randy Mantooth represented something much greater.

For countless EMTs, paramedics, and firefighters, Emergency! was more than just a television show—it was an inspiration. Many members of today’s EMS profession chose this career after watching Johnny Gage and Roy DeSoto demonstrate compassion, courage, and professionalism on screen.

In the early 1970s, modern emergency medical services were still in their infancy. Before organized EMS systems existed, many communities relied on funeral homes to transport critically ill and injured patients to hospitals with little or no medical care provided during transport.

As the need for prehospital emergency care became clear, groundbreaking research and the development of paramedic programs transformed emergency medicine. Emergency! helped introduce these lifesaving concepts to millions of viewers, educating the public while inspiring a generation of first responders.

That pioneering spirit continues today. EMS has evolved tremendously over the past five decades, and departments across the country now provide advanced medical care that was once only possible inside a hospital.

At Kirtland AFB Fire & Emergency Services, we are proud to continue that legacy by delivering some of the most progressive prehospital care in the Air Force. Our providers operate under advanced medical protocols that improve patient outcomes and bring critical care directly to those in need.

These capabilities reflect the remarkable evolution of EMS since Emergency! first introduced America to the paramedic profession.

Randy Mantooth, alongside his co-star Kevin Tighe, brought those pioneering paramedics to life and helped elevate the profession in the eyes of the public. His influence extended far beyond television.

Even in his later years, Randy remained a passionate advocate for EMS. Through the documentary Into the Unknown, he continued sharing the stories of paramedics and honoring the men and women who dedicate their lives to serving others. His lifelong commitment ensured that the history, sacrifices, and humanity of the EMS profession would never be forgotten.

Those who knew Randy remember his warm sense of humor, his gift for storytelling, and his love for bringing people together. Whether celebrating Fiesta at his Santa Barbara home or spending evenings around a backyard firepit with family and friends, he created lasting memories through laughter and conversation.

Randolph “Randy” Mantooth�September 19, 1945 – July 9, 2026

Randy’s legacy reaches far beyond the television screen. He inspired generations of EMS professionals and helped shape public appreciation for emergency medical services. His impact will continue to be felt every time an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, or dispatcher answers the call to help someone in need.

From all of us at Kirtland AFB Fire & Emergency Services, thank you, Randy, for inspiring generations to serve with courage, compassion, and professionalism.

Your legacy lives on in every life saved, every patient cared for, and every first responder who answers the call.

Rest easy, Randy. Thank you for inspiring a profession. You will never be forgotten.

06/22/2026

To all fathers serving in emergency services roles within the community today. Happy Father’s Day!

06/09/2026

Yesterday, emergency crews responded to a reported gas leak at the old CDC building, where contractors inadvertently struck a gas main line during work operations. E-26 arrived on scene to investigate, while Battalion 2 established command. Additional units, including Battalion 1, E-22, Haz-Mat 44, and Rescue 4, provided support. Security Forces assisted with traffic control. E-26 confirmed the breach of the gas line, and ASRC personnel successfully shut off the main line. The scene was subsequently turned over to the contractors, with no injuries reported.

06/05/2026

Crews from Kirtland Fire & EMS responded to a smoke report at the National Guard building. Engine 26 and Battalion 2 arrived on scene, and Chief 2 took command of the incident. The occupant did an excellent job of sounding the alarm, evacuating the building, and directing responding personnel. Engine 26 investigated the cause, and Battalion 2 supported operations. Engine 25 established a water supply, and Battalion 1 oversaw safety protocols. AAS was prepared to handle any medical emergencies. The issue was determined to be a defective light ballast. This incident emphasizes the importance of regular evacuation drills. Kirtland Fire & EMS is committed to serving and protecting the community.

06/03/2026

Last week, crews from Kirtland AFB Fire & Emergency Services successfully completed our annual Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) live-fire training.

This critical training allows firefighters to sharpen the specialized skills required to respond to aircraft emergencies, including proper aircraft approach techniques, ARFF vehicle positioning, agent application, and fire suppression tactics. Through realistic, hands-on scenarios, our personnel continuously train to ensure they are prepared to respond effectively when an actual emergency occurs.

ARFF operations require a unique skill set, and repetitive training is essential to maintaining proficiency and mission readiness. By training in a controlled live-fire environment, our firefighters gain valuable experience that cannot be replicated in the classroom alone.

Kirtland AFB is fortunate to have access to one of only a handful of Air Force aircraft fire training simulators, providing our personnel with a world-class training platform to develop and maintain these critical lifesaving skills.

We are proud of the dedication and professionalism our firefighters demonstrate each day as they train to protect the personnel, aircraft, and mission of Kirtland Air Force Base.

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