First responder highlight is a monthly column produced by the Coronado/Bernalillo Optimist Club.
The Coronado/Bernalillo Optimist Club wants you to know Matthew Esquibel, an Albuquerque area native and a first responder for the Town of Bernalillo Fire Department and surrounding area. Matthew’s training as a firefighter/emergency medical technician was sparked by an EMT class he took at CNM after high school. He gained practical experience working for a rural ambulance service for four years, and as a volunteer firefighter in Moriarty, Rio Communities, and Belen. After three or four years working for the solid waste department in Albuquerque, he got back into firefighting in Bernalillo where he has now been for six years. He has continuously taken classes and training to build his skills. He has found the training for advancement as an all-around firefighter and EMT to be rigorous and demanding of concentrated effort. As a result, first responders must have their muscles and minds ready to assess and act without delay in any emergency, both medical and fire related.
Matthew says he values his time in the Bernalillo department not only because of the family atmosphere, but, unlike large departments with full staffs, a person is not confined to gaining experience in just one area of expertise. He has become certified in all areas, including driving all classes of vehicles, operating pumps, responding to various types of fires and accidents, and confronting different social situations. He works with an understanding that he is seldom called out to help people when they are having a good day. First responders show up to help people in a time of need, when they are in distress.
It is not all work and no relaxation. But although Matthew’s view of relaxation includes cardio and weight exercise, he also likes music, movies, concerts, his dog, and traveling. His plan is to work in the Bernalillo fire department until he can retire with 100% pay. Until then he will be on the job.
Getting to know Matthew Esquibel and his co-workers makes us more appreciative of the training and work they do for us as first responders.