Fire Chief Gene Gallegos is retiring after serving as a firefighter for Albuquerque Fire Rescue since 2000. Mayor Keller has appointed First Deputy Chief of Emergency Services, Emily Jaramillo, as the next Chief for AFR. Emily Jaramillo will be the first woman to lead the state’s largest Fire Rescue in its 123 year history.
“As First Deputy, Emily Jaramillo is a natural choice–she is a tried and true leader within the department who will continue to guide AFR with her deep knowledge and skill,” said Mayor Tim Keller.
Gallegos served as Chief since 2021, and was previously appointed Fire Marshal in addition to many roles in the department including Training Division Battalion Chief in charge of the Cadet Training Program, Dispatcher, Paramedic, Cadet Instructor, and Professional Development Instructor.