By Jesse Jones
The Town of Bernalillo has a new lead firefighter. Adam “AJ” Bonnett was sworn in as fire chief at the May 12 town council meeting after receiving unanimous support from the Councilors and mayor.
Bonnett steps into the role at a time of steady growth and momentum for the department. After a competitive hiring process, town officials say his experience and leadership stood out among the candidates, making him the clear choice to lead the department into its next chapter.
“We’re completely confident that he’ll be a great leader for a great crew that we’ve already got going and take us up further,” said Mayor Jack Torres. “Even though we’ve seen great growth in that department, our expectation, his goal, is to keep seeing things improve.”
Before his appointment, Bonnett spent 16 years with Albuquerque Fire and retired as a captain in 2017. He also served in the U.S. Air Force and earned a degree in fire science from Central New Mexico Community College.
After leaving AFD, he worked as a critical care flight paramedic for PHI Air Medical, then as a clinical education specialist for American Medical Response. Most recently, he was a manager with Task Force Tips, a fire equipment company.
Bonnett was already familiar with Bernalillo’s department. He served as a volunteer firefighter from 2021 to 2024.
He replaces Interim Fire Chief Michael Carroll, the town’s fire marshal, who stepped in after Chief Michael Legendre retired in February. Carroll previously led the department for more than 20 years before Legendre took over.
Torres said he did not get to vote but would have voted yes. He said a five-person committee reviewed a strong group of applicants, and he handled the final interviews.
According to Torres, Bonnett stood out above the rest.
With his family by his side and firefighters gathered in support, Bonnett took the oath as chief. Fire Marshal Michael Carroll read the oath, and Bonnett’s wife, Dr. Amy Bonnett, pinned on his badge.
“I just want to say thank you for giving me the opportunity and for giving me this honor,” Bonnett said. “I look forward to working with everybody and moving everything forward that’s already been put in motion.”
Bonnett takes over as major changes are underway at the Bernalillo Fire Department.
The town secured $5.4 million in state capital outlay this year to build a new fire station — the largest single investment in Bernalillo’s history. The new station will go up at the old Roosevelt School site off Camino Don Tomas and will replace Station One, which has served as the main station since 1977.
Once complete, the Roosevelt site will become the department’s primary station and eventually house its administrative offices. The current facility, attached to Town Hall, will be decommissioned.