East New Mexico News

Some 25 years ago, Steve Chavez began his career in firefighting and emergency medical response with the Dexter Volunteer Fire Department. On January 13, he was appointed as the new chief of the Roswell Fire Department (RFD).

"I grew to love the work they did in the community," Chavez said about his early experiences as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician in Dexter, located less than 20 miles south of Roswell. He now looks forward to leading RFD, which he joined in 2001 after completing the department's academy.

Chavez has served as RFD's division chief for training over the past three years. He describes RFD as a department filled with "highly skilled" personnel who manage various calls daily, from rescuing individuals from burning buildings to providing life-saving medical care.

City Manager Chad Cole announced Chavez's selection as Roswell’s new fire chief following an internal application process within RFD. The candidates were interviewed by a panel that included Cole, retiring Fire Chief Matt Miller, Deputy City Manager Mike Mathews, and Human Resources Director Clint Caldwell.

Chavez will collaborate closely with Miller during the transition period before Miller retires on January 31.

Starting his journey with RFD in 2001 as a firefighter, Chavez advanced to become a fire apparatus operator and later achieved the rank of lieutenant overseeing Station 1 in downtown Roswell before leading the Training Division.

Now at the helm of a department currently staffed by 83 personnel—expected to reach full staffing at 95—Chavez identifies maintaining full staffing levels as one of his initial challenges. He aims to attract new recruits for an upcoming academy potentially starting in March. Other challenges include replacing several firefighting vehicles damaged during rescues amid October flooding and preparing for safety roles at September's National Championship Air Races debuting in Roswell.

City Manager Cole expressed anticipation for Chavez continuing "the long line of proven excellence that exemplifies our Roswell Fire Department."

Chavez acknowledges this excellence when discussing RFD—a professional fire department he views as a "hub" serving not only Roswell but also smaller surrounding communities through mutual-response agreements. He emphasizes teamwork with local volunteer departments and other emergency-response entities like police departments and hospitals.

Reflecting on his role within RFD, whether as a new firefighter or now chief, Chavez remarked it is "great to be a part of" such an organization characterized by its members' pride in their work.