City Makes Key Promotions within Albuquerque Fire Rescue

The City of Albuquerque has made two key promotions within Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR). Clint Anderson will be the Deputy Chief of Strategic Planning and Policy and Jason Garcia will be the City’s Fire Marshal. Both roles fill critical needs for the community and the department, ensuring safety and efficiency so that AFR can continue to provide our city’s families with the highest quality response.

“Deputy Chief Anderson and Deputy Chief Garcia bring decades of experience to their new roles within Albuquerque Fire Rescue,” said AFR Chief Emily Jaramillo. “That time and dedication to service will benefit the department and Albuquerque residents. They are both proven leaders and will continue to be great assets to our team.”

“Our fire department and the individuals who keep it running show up for our community in big and small ways every day,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “We’re grateful for their commitment to serving our city and our families, and for the experience they bring to these crucial roles.”

Clint Anderson, Deputy Chief of Strategic Planning and Policy

Deputy Chief Anderson was born in Florida and raised in Albuquerque from age 2. After graduating La Cueva High School, he studied Exercise Science at the University of New Mexico achieving his Bachelors Degree in 2005. Prior to joining Albuquerque Fire Rescue, Anderson worked with the City of Albuquerque as a lifeguard with Parks and Recreation and an exercise instructor with the Department of Senior Affairs. Deputy Chief Anderson joined AFR in 2006 as part of the 72nd cadet class. Shortly after his rookie year, he attended AFR’s Paramedic School, achieving the status of Paramedic in 2008. DC Anderson worked predominately in Operations for the first 15 years with the department moving from Rescue Driver to Rescue Lieutenant, largely out of AFR Fire Station 12 in southeast Albuquerque. In 2017, Anderson promoted to the rank of Captain and was selected to work as the Quality Assurance Officer for his respective shift. This position included many opportunities to work on EMS QA, interacting and working with crews on high acuity calls, and facilitating after-action work to improve EMS service delivery within the department. This position also afforded Deputy Chief Anderson the opportunity to co-speak with UNMH EMS Consortium Physician Jenna White on Out of Hospital Cardiac Ultrasound at the National Association of EMS Physician’s conference in San Diego, California in early 2020. While operating as the QA Officer, DC Anderson took advantage of AFR’s tuition reimbursement program and completed a Masters Degree in Public Safety Leadership Administrations through Arizona State University. Prior to promoting to the rank of Deputy Chief, Anderson worked as a Field Battalion Chief and spent 2 years working as the Battalion Chief for the Field Operations Center and Special Operations. This included oversight for AFR’s Wildland, Heavy Technical Rescue and Hazmat programs, managing AFR’s involvement in CABQ Special Events (concerts, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, etc) and oversight for the Field Operations Staffing under DC Melek. DC Anderson maintains a passion for field response at AFR. This will fuel the leadership and direction he provides as he will refine and centralize AFR’s policies, procedures and guidelines. This will also include taking over management of AFR’s credentialing process through the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Deputy Chief Anderson is a loving father of three wonderful young women. Deputy Chief Anderson enjoys time with his family, reading, cooking, exercising and attending and serving at Citizen Church.

Jason Garcia, Fire Marshal

Fire Marshal Jason Garcia has been a member of Albuquerque Fire Rescue since 1998. He was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico and grew up on the westside of Albuquerque. Jason attended West Mesa High School and later graduated from Freedom High School. He comes from a family of firefighters that have all served with Albuquerque Fire Rescue. His two uncles James Gallegos and John Garcia, along with his older brother Vince Garcia, have all retired from Albuquerque Fire Rescue. Growing up he had a great respect for his uncles and his brother, deciding later that he wanted to follow in their footsteps as a member of our fire department. As a veteran firefighter of over 25 years, he has had many opportunities at all of the ranks to serve in the Fire Marshal’s Office and with field operations. Most of his time in the department has been spent serving in the Fire Marshal's Office. As a chief officer Jason has served as the fire marshal and a battalion chief in the field, giving him a well-rounded perspective of the department. He credits any success he has had throughout his career to the outstanding firefighters that have worked under his command and the incredible officers that he worked for throughout his career who influenced him to be the best officer he could be. As the Fire Marshal/Deputy Chief of the Fire Marshal’s Office, Fire Marshal Garcia oversees the Fire Inspections Office, ADAPT, Fire Investigations, Plans Checking, and Community Risk Reduction. Jason also volunteers as the athletic director for Hope Christian Elementary School where he has worked with elementary students as athletic director, coach, and mentor for over eight years. Deputy Chief Garcia is a devoted husband and father, living everyday led by his faith.