08/18/2026
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO Sierra County Sentinel!
Regional training and cooperation make all our communities safer.
During the first two weekends of August, Las Palomas Fire hosted a Rope Operations course that brought together first responders from across the region for hands-on technical rescue training. Lieutenant Joseph Henry and Firefighters Wyatt Fahl, TJ Bell, and Erica Davis represented Elephant Butte Fire Rescue.
From August 10–13, Elephant Butte Fire Rescue hosted the Rope Technician course. Chief Roger Long, Battalion Chief Joseph Green, Captain Joseph Farless, Lieutenant Kenneth Chacon, Firefighter David Frentrop, and Ronnie Montes represented our department. Trevor Whitehead, who attended rope operations last year with Elephant Butte Fire, attended the Technician course this year representing Las Palomas Fire. Ashlee West also attended the Technician course, representing both SVH EMS and Las Palomas. The advanced training covered low-angle and vertical rescue operations, high-angle offsets, vertical pickoffs, litter raises, and high-line systems, including the English Reeve and Norwegian Reeve.
We sincerely thank the Truth or Consequences Fire Department for allowing local departments to use its state-certified training facility. We also thank Las Palomas Fire for hosting the Operations course and sending members to attend the Technician course. Thank you to Sierra Vista Hospital EMS, Doña Ana County Fire, and Organ Mountain Search and Rescue for training alongside us.
A special thank-you goes to Dan Barella and the entire Rescue Tactics team for teaching both courses. Gerald Placca, John White, and Tanja Barella. Their experience, knowledge, and practical approach gave everyone involved a better understanding of technical rope rescue operations.
The courses followed NFPA 1006 and NFPA 2500 requirements, helping establish consistent training standards among participating agencies. Each course also included a task book documenting the required skills and job-performance requirements. These task books will remain part of each firefighter’s training record throughout their career.
Training like this builds confidence, sharpens technical skills, and strengthens the working relationships between neighboring agencies. When an emergency occurs, those relationships and shared skills allow us to work together safely and effectively.
Most importantly, we thank our community for its continued support. Your support gives our members the opportunity to pursue advanced training and bring those skills back home. We are proud to serve Elephant Butte and grateful for the trust you place in us.
