GARFIELD — The Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners has approved a resolution to officially decommission Fire Station 33 in Garfield, a former volunteer station that has not been staffed or responded to emergency calls in recent years.
County officials said the station has remained part of the county’s fire system but has not answered or responded to any emergency calls during the past two years. As part of ongoing efforts to ensure efficiency, accountability, and high-quality emergency services, commissioners determined that formally decommissioning the station is the most responsible course of action.
Interim Fire Chief Sean Heck said the decision is intended to strengthen emergency response services rather than reduce them.
“Our priority has always been providing fast, dependable emergency response to everyone we serve,” Heck said. “By realigning our resources, we’re ensuring that coverage remains strong and efficient, while also protecting residents from any unintended impacts to insurance ratings.”
County officials noted that maintaining an inactive station within the fire system can negatively affect the county’s Insurance Services Office, or ISO, rating. That rating plays a role in determining homeowners’ insurance premiums and coverage eligibility. Decommissioning Station 33 helps protect favorable ISO ratings and supports long-term affordability for residents by reducing the risk of potential insurance increases.
Fire and emergency medical services for the Garfield area will continue without interruption. Fire Station 31 in Rincon will remain the primary responding unit for the area, ensuring emergency calls are handled quickly and effectively.
In addition, Doña Ana County is working to finalize a memorandum of understanding with the Village of Hatch. Once completed, fire services will begin operating out of Hatch, providing a closer response location to better serve the Garfield community.
County officials emphasized that residents should not experience any change in service levels and that maintaining reliable emergency response coverage in the area remains a top priority.
John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications – john@bravomic.com