Fewer people being arrested in mental health calls, says Las Cruces Fire Department

The number of people arrested following interactions with the Las Cruces mental health response team fell drastically in the second half of 2023 as police officers relied more and more on the service, according to information presented during a meeting on May 13 about Project LIGHT. Project LIGHT, a fire department team that is sent out to emergency mental health crises, saw just 5 percent of interactions end with the person being arrested. That’s down from a reported 20 percent, or one in five, in its first six months of operation. That’s because relying on Project LIGHT has become a regular tool for Las Cruces police, according to the LIGHT’s overseer, Battalion Chief Matthew Hiles. “It allows (police) to get back to responding and patrolling and doing what they are meant to do,” Hiles said.
The Las Cruces Bulletin - Metered Site

Albuquerque has a new fire marshal

The City of Albuquerque has made a few promotions within Albuquerque Fire Rescue. That includes choosing a new fire marshal. The city promoted Jason Garcia to fire marshal. With the role, he will oversee fire inspections, investigations, and community fire risk reduction. Garcia has been with Albuquerque Fire Rescue since 1998, the city says. He not only grew up in Albuquerque, but comes from a family of firefighters. The city has also promoted Clint Anderson to deputy chief of strategic planning and policy. In that role, Anderson will help shape department policy and Albuquerque Fire Rescue’s credentialing process.
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