SW New Mexico News

Jason Smith, the Chief of the Las Cruces Fire Department, is set to retire after a notable 22-year career with the city. His official retirement date is January 31, 2025, following an announcement made in December 2024.

The City has appointed Deputy Chief Sean Heck as interim chief while a nationwide search for a permanent replacement is conducted.

Smith's journey began when he graduated from LCFD’s fire academy in 2002. He advanced through various roles including firefighter, driver/operator, lieutenant, battalion chief, and deputy chief of operations before being named interim fire chief in November 2020. He officially became fire chief three months later.

Throughout his tenure, Smith contributed significantly to the department's development. As deputy chief, he managed the division of shifts into two battalions and was involved in planning the East Mesa Public Safety Complex. He also played a key role in securing approval for two general obligation bonds that led to new fire stations' construction.

Smith is recognized for acquiring grants that funded additional firefighter positions and a paramedic training program. He also guided the department during the Covid-19 pandemic while maintaining its ISO-1 rating—a distinction held by only 125 departments nationwide.

The City of Las Cruces has several ongoing initiatives such as implementing new latches on trash carts over the next 18 months and planning redevelopment projects around W. Picacho and Motel Metropolitan Redevelopment Area.

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