Albuquerque Fire Rescue Graduates 103rd Cadet Class

Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) is pleased to announce the graduation of the 103rd Cadet Class. 16 cadets completed the 19-week academy and will now join the department as sworn firefighters. They enter the ranks at probationary Firefighter 2nd Class and receive 11 months of intensive on the job training and monthly evaluations in order to attain the rank of Firefighter 1st Class.
AFR answered 104,000 calls for service in 2023. These new firefighters will supplement staffing levels and will become members of some of the busiest crews in the nation.

Recognition was also given to AFR Crews that contributed to a life saving rescue at a house fire on January 2, 2025. The AFR dispatcher alerted responding units that there was one occupant trapped in the residence. Engine 9 confirmed a working fire with an urgent rescue profile and deployed a hose line into the residence. Rescue 5 was assigned primary search, located an elderly female and rescued her from the burning home. The female was trapped in her bedroom after being unable to exit the house via the hallway due to extreme heat and smoke. She was pulled out of the window by Rescue 5 and sustained moderate smoke inhalation, and minor injuries to her extremities. Rescue 5 immediately provided patient care and transported her to UNM Hospital.

This successful rescue was set in motion by AFR Dispatch, continued with the strong command presence of Engine 9 and then the deliberate actions of Rescue 5. For their outstanding performance on that day, these AFR Crews are being recognized for these life-saving efforts.
“The new firefighters of the 103rd have shown they have what it takes to uphold AFR’s high standard of emergency response," said Mayor Tim Keller. "They’ve accepted the challenge to become the latest in a long line of community heroes." 

“Today we celebrate the courage and accomplishments of these 16 cadets by taking the oath as firefighters with Albuquerque Fire Rescue,” said Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo. “As they step into their roles, they embody the spirit of service and commitment that our Albuquerque residents rely on.”