The Town of Bernalillo and its fire department have much to celebrate.
Firefighter and EMT Khalen Howard was honored with the 2024 Firefighter of the Year award from the New Mexico Firefighters Training Academy during the New Mexico Fire and EMS Expo held on Oct. 26 in Socorro.
Following the announcement, Howard was recognized by the town council during the Oct. 28 meeting.
Bernalillo Fire Chief Michael Legendre said he nominated Howard for the Firefighter of the Year, as did the Bernalillo Police Department, Rio Rancho Fire and Rescue and Sandoval County Fire and Rescue, in recognition of his efforts to foster stronger relationships between the departments and their communities.
“There are many firefighters in this department who deserve this award and I’m blessed and humbly honored to accept it,” Howard said. “This award isn’t a reflection of my efforts, but a testament to the strength and dedication of our entire team each day we face challenges that test our resolve.”
Howard lives in Corrales and began his firefighting career as a volunteer in the community. Now a six-year veteran of the Bernalillo Fire Department, he serves as an instructor and peer fitness trainer, and he is also a member of both the wildfire team and the first heavy rescue team.
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Chief Legendre for nominating me for this,” Howard said. “I want to, I also want to thank my fellow firefighters for their unwavering support, I couldn’t do any of this without them.”
Mayor Jack Torres agreed that this was a team achievement.
“It’s so important that all of us understand how important teamwork is, how important it is being able to rely on each other and getting the award, I think, speaks to that,” Torres said at the council meeting.