New fire station means faster response times, potential insurance savings for Rio Rancho residents

South Rio Rancho residents will get faster emergency response times — and homeowners across the city could see lower insurance rates — after the Governing Body unanimously approved a $13.7 million construction contract for Fire Station 8, the city’s first new fire station since 2011.

Fire Chief James Wenzel said Station 8 directly relieves pressure on units currently absorbing rising call volume from The Village, the Rust corridor, and Unit 10 subdivisions. Rio Rancho Fire and Rescue holds an ISO 2 rating — placing it in the top 10 percent of fire departments nationally for response capability and water supply — and Mayor Gregg Hull warned that growth without new infrastructure puts that rating at risk. “If you fall behind when you have the growth we’re seeing, you risk lowering that ISO rating,” Hull said. ISO ratings directly affect homeowners’ insurance premiums.

From planning to pavement

The 15,461-square-foot station at 1930 14th Ave. SE — at the corner of Miranda Road and Cabazon Boulevard, across from Maggie Cordova Elementary — will house four apparatus bays, 12 bunk rooms and a community room designed to double as a polling location. The project moved from land acquisition in August 2023 to a construction-ready design in roughly 30 months.

Funding for the $13,666,323.97 contract draws from multiple sources: an $8.4 million city revenue bond, $1.5 million from the governor, $1.7 million from Sen. Craig Brandt, $813,000 from Rep. Josh Hernandez, $500,000 from Sen. Jay Block, $487,000 in combined House and Senate capital funds, and $277,915 in state grants. Design was handled by V1 Associates under a $721,199 contract awarded in December 2024.

Built for the people inside — and outside

Councilor Nicole List pushed back on any perception that the station’s modern design is excessive, noting that firefighters work 48-hour shifts and sometimes bring their children to the station on holidays. “The men and women are serving over holidays — sometimes that means your kids have to come on Christmas day to see you,” List said. “They need a space that is safe and accommodating.”

Hull credited former Fire Chief James DeFillippo, who delayed his retirement by a year to advance the station’s planning and secure legislative funding. 

The groundbreaking is set for 11:30 a.m. May 4 at the station site. 

Fire Station 8 Groundbreaking 

When: Monday, May 4 · 11:30 a.m. 

Where: 1930 14th Ave. SE (corner of Miranda Road and Cabazon Boulevard)