
01/24/2023
This morning Fire Inspector Brian Bratcher took his ceremonial final ride home, capping off a 15-year career with RRFR. We appreciate his many lasting contributions!
Rio Rancho Fire Rescue Department serves the citizens, businesses, and visitors to our city. We prov
We provide fire suppression, technical rescue, and emergency medical services from six staffed stations located within the borders. RRFR's motto is "Protecting Your Family" because we feel that victims and patients deserve the same treatment as members of our own families.
Operating as usual
This morning Fire Inspector Brian Bratcher took his ceremonial final ride home, capping off a 15-year career with RRFR. We appreciate his many lasting contributions!
Our operational crews will all be sleeping much sounder at night, thanks to the gracious donation of new mattresses by Tempurpedic for each of our 5 stations. This is the second time Tempurpedic has donated new mattresses to RRFR.
2022 will see an increased focus on medical training, as over 80% of our calls involve some type of medical emergency. Today was the first of 3 EMS CE Days, where our personnel get hands on and classroom education to sharpen their EMS skills.
Today RRFR took received its new department composite, which shows all our current members and their positions with the agency. We create a new one every time a new Fire Chief takes office. Special shout out to Brian Boysen Photography, who has created these for our last 3 administrations.
Did you know RRFR is responsible for providing EMS and Fire Marshal's coverage at every event at the Rio Rancho Events Center? Also, did you know our department has an EMS Room in the building for us to stage our personnel and equipment? Just last week, in an effort to make this room feel more comfortable and look more professional, our FMO Division painted the room, rearranged it and added some new decorations. Strong work!
RRFR crews are wrapping up operations on a fully involved mobile home fire we responded to at 11:30 this morning in Sandoval County. Fortunately there were no injuries reported and no nearby structures were threatened.
Yesterday our department's inaugural EMT-B class in conjunction with UNM's EMS Academy graduated. The 7 students included 4 from RRFR, 2 from Acoma Fire and 1 from Sandoval County Fire. Congrats to all 7 for passing with flying colors, and good luck on your National Registry exams!
Today RRFR is hosting the NM Fire Marshal's Association Meeting & Fire Sprinkler Coalition Training. This event brought 42 attendees from fire departments as far away as Silver City.
Christmas 2022 saw the 2nd annual RRFR Fire Station decorating contest, where our crews show their holiday and department pride while vying for a $100 gift card. We're proud to announce Station 3 was the winning house, and as you see they went above and beyond in decorating their quarters. Strong work 3s!
On Dec. 23rd RRFR held its annual department Christmas Party. Part of the event was the announcing of our annual awards, presented to the best of the best within our agency. Pictured below are Captain Chris C'DeBaca (Officer of the Year) and Tyler Carlson (Firefighter of the Year). Not pictured are Aric Ray (EMS Provider of the Year) and Dave Hoeksema (Administrative MOS of the Year). Congrats to all!
On behalf of the men and women of RRFR, we'd like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
2023 will see a significant change in how RRFR conducts fire ground operations as we adopt the Blue Card system already used by many of our neighboring agencies. Captain Damian Mainolfa and BC Ryan Floersheim spent last week in Phoenix becoming the department's instructors for the program, which will increase our efficiency and safety.
Santa got a helping hand from FF Alex Bartra, who filled his shoes during the annual CASA Foundation's toy giveaway event yesterday.
With the holidays fast approaching, here are some important fire safety tips, provided by the NM State Fire Marshal's Office.
Yesterday RRFR's C-Shift Station 7 crew enjoyed the city's Library Holiday Open House event, seen here with RRPD Chief Steele.
Earlier this year our department discovered that many of the city's community centers are without life saving AEDs. Relying on our partnership with Project Heart Start and the NM Heart Institute Foundation, we had 3 of the $2,000 pieces of equipment donated today. The AEDs will soon be installed at the Hayne's Park, Cabezon, and Sabana Grande Community Centers. RRFR will be providing the AED training for all the center employees. Pictured is Connie Peterson, Director of Rio Rancho's Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department and Dr. Barry Ramo, Medical Director of the NM Heart Institute Foundation.
RRFR Fire Marshal's Office Lt. Gerard Bauer had the opportunity to share some important winter fire safety tips this past week. Stay safe!
Across the country, 1,700 fires were started by heating sources last winter, and space heaters caused 81% of fire deaths.
Thanks to C-Shift Engine 3 for representing RRFR in this year's Winterfest parade!
RRFR was on hand at this year's Winterfest celebration Friday night, ensuring everyone's safety and helping to spread holiday cheer!
For the last 2 weeks RRFR's Training Division has been busy teaching the pilot version of our new EMT Basic class to the personnel from Academy #17 who need it. Sandoval County Fire and Acoma Fire are also represented in this new class. Thanks to UNM EMS Academy for their support in making this program a reality.
From our family to yours, enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
Last night RRFR celebrated the promotions of 10 of our members who had ascended into new ranks over the last several months. Congrats to:
Marcus Gawne - Fire Inspector
Gerard Bauer - FMO Lieutenant
Gabe Castillo - Engineer
Joseph Branch - Engineer
Justin Millea - Captain
Maria D'Angelo - Captain
Brian Johnson - Captain
Chris Mandeville - Captain
Brian Dolan - Battalion Chief
Jeff Wenzel - Deputy Chief
On November 17th the 15 members of Academy Class #17 completed their 16-week cadet academy. A large celebration was held, with hundreds in attendance. The 15 newest members will begin their field training this weekend.
We appreciate our local partners at KOB-TV highlighting some of the new additions to our department's operations! Much more to come in the near future...
The Rio Rancho Fire Department has been using a drone since the summer, but says it's become an invaluable tool.
Academy Class #17 spent 3 days at the NM State Fire Academy in Socorro this week. Our cadets put their new skills to the test during a series of different fires which is part of their national certification. Their academy graduation is scheduled for November 17th!
With the help of our own drone program we were able monitor conditions and look for hot spots while our crews worked. This new technology is allowing our department to work safer and more efficiently then ever before.
Earlier this week our crews responded to 2 separate structure fires at the same address. A local resident with a drone took some impressive video of the second.
RRFR's HTR Team Coordinator, Dave Hoeksema, was part of a specialized team that assisted with the surgery for one of ABQ Zoo's elephants yesterday. The knowledge and experience gained from that experience will be brought back an implemented into our technical rescue program.
🐘 IRENE SURGERY UPDATE! 🐘 Irene is awake and doing well! She had surgery today to remove her left eye and alleviate the pain associated with age-related lens luxation.
We are sending a heartfelt thank you for the incredible teamwork and efforts of the almost 50 professionals from many organizations and disciplines who came together to make this possible.
Irene is recovering now, and we will continue to monitor her over the next few days to ensure there are no complications following today’s successful surgery.
Thank you to everybody who helped in this amazing effort to help Irene including local and visiting veterinary specialists, a national expert in elephant anesthesia, a veterinary ophthalmologist, colleagues from the Denver Zoo, El Paso Zoo, Houston Zoo, Oregon Zoo, White Oak Conservation, Albuquerque Fire Rescue, Corrales Fire Department, and Rio Rancho Fire and Rescue. And of course, thank you to our own animal care, veterinary and facilities teams. We could not have done this without your tireless dedication and teamwork.
Our Fire Marshal's Office Lt. Gerard Bauer, along with similar subject matter experts from the metro areas agencies, have created a series of winter fire safety messages. We'll be sharing those on a weekly basis as the cold weather makes its way towards us. Enjoy!
Our 2nd annual Halloween Open House events on October 30th were a huge success, with hundreds of people visiting our 5 stations. We hope everyone had as much fun as we did!
After a year of grant work with the state by our EMS and Training Divisions, last week we received a shipment of EZ-IO equipment for each of our fire engines. This equipment will increase our ability to care for our sickest of patients. The equipment we received should sustain us for the next several years. Thanks to our neighboring agencies who assisted us in the process.
Don't forget about our fire station Halloween open houses today! Bring your ghosts and goblins to meet the crews and experience different activities at every station. And, Fire Station #1 will be having a Trunk or Treat from 4-7! We hope to see you there.
At last night's City Council meeting, Battalion Chief Jeff Wenzel was confirmed as our department's next Deputy Chief, effective immediately. BC Wenzel had previously been our Emergency Management & Logistics Battalion Chief. He competed against 2 other department members over the past month for the important position. Congrats to him!
It's not too late to help RRFR contribute to Socktober - a regional effort to collect new children's socks of all sizes. The collected goods will be delivered through local charities. Every fire station has a collection box through the end of the month. Stop by and say hi!
Physical fitness is a major component of our job. So is ensuring our personnel have the right equipment so they're ready for the rigors of the next call. This afternoon EMS BC Adam Arrossa assembled new rowing machines for each of our stations.
RRFR's Station 10 made quick work of a car fire early this morning. No injuries or damage to nearby homes were reported.
RRFR's Fire Marshal's Office, together with our EMS Bike Team, had a great time at this year's Fall Festival Saturday at the city's Campus Park.
2 important ongoing causes RRFR supports are domestic violence and breast cancer awareness. Every October our crews wear pink and purple duty shirts in solidarity with these causes.
This past week our operational crews participated in our annual night drill, where they focused on several of our core tactics that we use on almost every structure fire.
October is Fire Safety Month, and our Fire Prevention Team is busy interacting with the city's public school teaching a series of important fire-related safety messages. Here, FF McDevitt reinforces the message that while Firefighters may seem scary in all their gear children should not fear them.
1526Stephanie Road SE
Rio Rancho, NM
87124
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Please help us spread the word. Here's your chance to join Rio Rancho's bravest! Must be 18 to apply, have a high school diploma or GED at the time of applying and no previous experience or EMT license required!
Earlier this month RRFR's crews participated in our famous Hose Rodeo training, where they worked on their ability to move a charged hose line and effectively spray water at the same time. This is often a critical skill when inside a burning building.
Earlier this month RRFR's Heavy Technical Rescue Team trained on its new drone, which will significantly improve our operational capabilities. In addition to several cool features, the drone has a thermal imaging camera. Our partner agencies SCFR and CFD also participated in the training and received drones of their own, all funded through state grant money.
This week marked Week 1 of 16 for the 17 cadets of Academy #17. It was long and grueling, but they stuck and together and made it through.
This week all RRFR personnel are participating in water tender operation training - an essential skill we use often in parts of the city where fire hydrants are scarce. Sandoval County Fire Rescue, our partner agency who is often at the same incidents, is also participating in the training.
RRFR would like to remind you to please be cautious during the upcoming 4th of July and invite you to enjoy the city's planned events.
This week RRFR's crews received training on the new smooth bore nozzles which we are adding to each of our engines to increase our operational capabilities. This project was years in the making, originally started by retired Captain Mark Baker and finished with the help of Captain Brad Kornrumph and both our EM and Training Divisions.
RRFR's Wildland & Dozer Teams deployed 5 members to the large Bosque fire in Albuquerque yesterday, where they worked through the night to create containment lines.
This week RRFR's Fire Marshal's Office took ownership of its new fire prevention trailer, which will transport the department's new inflatable education prop to the many city activities we participate in annually. The trailer also has a picture of the FMO Divisions as-of-yet unnamed mascot!
RRFR crews remain on the scene of a 2-alarm fire that started around 2 pm today in northern Rio Rancho. Crews were able to protect a threatened neighboring home, made worse by the 40 mph winds that made this an especially-dangerous incident. All occupants are accounted for and safe. The fire is contained at this time, and the investigation will begin once it's deemed safe to do so. Thanks to SCFR, Corrales Fire, AFR and AAS for the support!
Rio Rancho has had a Public Safety Bond in place since 2018. This has proved instrumental in helping in RRFR replace many of our outdated apparatus. The bond, which will not increase taxes, is up for renewal on March 1!
Fire Prevention week, RRFR firefighters talk with second graders about having a fire evacuation plan in place. Rio Rancho Public Schools * Have 2 ways out of each room * Safe meeting place - somewhere outside * Do not hide * Get out & Stay out Links below for additional worksheets, videos, and lesson plans. https://sparkyschoolhouse.org/ https://www.nfpa.org/Events/Events/Fire-Prevention-Week/Educate
Fire Prevention week is a great time to teach your students about fire safety. Today RRFR firefighters talk to kindergarteners about… • What number do you call in case of an emergency - 911 • Learning and remembering your address • Learning and remembering your phone number. Here are more tools and resources to teach your children at home this week! https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Teaching-tools/Learn-not-to-burn/Learn-Not-to-Burn-Kindergarten-Program
October is Fire Prevention Month and RRFR firefighters have sent out fire safety videos to Rio Rancho Public Schools. RRFR will also drop off some goodies next week for every kindergarten, first, and second grader - 4,500 to be exact! Videos will be uploaded on here as well because we understand some children might still be learning virtually.
One of the biggest risks of newer model car fires is the increasing amount of magnesium that is used to build them. When RRFR crews work to extinguish these fires, like this one early in the morning September 30 west of the city, the water reacts to the magnesium violently. In this video you can see the telltale blue and white glow from the magnesium.
Being emergency prepared includes your pets! For ideas on pet preparedness visit ready.gov/pets #furbabies #RRFR #RROEM
Rio Rancho Fire Rescue honors the memory of the 343 fallen firefighters on 9/11/2001. #neverforget #RRFR
What does your Emergency Preparedness Plan look like? Please register at rrnm.gov/725/Code-Red-Emergency-Notification for important updates and warnings. #RRNM #RRFR #RROEM
RRFR wants you to be prepared in the event of a fire emergency. In the month of August students practice fire drills at school, but with virtual learning drills are looking a little different this year. Make sure to practice your fire drill today!
RRFR received this precious video of this young lady from Rio Rancho. Her mother shared this video of her daughter Rebecca, after she captured her sentiments about front-line workers in the helping professions.
The men and women of RRFR would like to thank the voters for your support. We’ve earned your trust and we are committed to keeping this trust by using these funds to address the community's needs. With your support, we can continue moving forward. We will begin the process of replacing our aging apparatus, and updating facilities to better serve you. Thank you.
U.S. Army Recruiting Rio Rancho
Highway, AlbuquerqueNavy Recruiting Station Rio Grande, NM
Coors Bypass Road NW, AlbuquerqueCity of Rio Rancho Animal Resource Center
Northern Boulevard NECity of Rio Rancho, NM Municipal Government
Civic Center Cir NECity of Rio Rancho Animal Resource Center
Northern Boulevard NE