History — El Dorado Fire Rescue

Founding (1976) — Celebrating 50 Years

El Dorado Fire Rescue was founded in 1976 by a group of concerned community members who recognized that the rapidly growing El Dorado subdivision needed an organized emergency response capability. Those founding members established the organizational structure, mutual-aid agreements, and commitment to training that still define the department today.

Growth and Development

Through the late 1970s and 1980s, the department grew steadily alongside the El Dorado community. New volunteers joined, the department acquired its first apparatus, and training standards rose to meet evolving New Mexico State Fire Marshal requirements. During this period, the department adopted its first formal Standard Operating Guidelines and began participating in regional mutual-aid networks with neighboring fire agencies in Santa Fe County.

Expanding Capabilities

The 1990s and 2000s brought significant expansion in both personnel and capability. The department added emergency medical response to its mission, training members as First Responders and EMTs. It developed wildland firefighting capability in response to the increasing fire risk facing communities throughout northern New Mexico, and Hazmat Operations training became standard for all operational members.

Modern Era

Today, El Dorado Fire Rescue is a well-equipped, professionally trained all-volunteer department operating from multiple stations across our response area. Our apparatus fleet includes modern structural engines, water tenders, brush trucks, and a light rescue, and our members hold a wide range of state and national certifications.

Despite significant growth over five decades, the department remains true to its founding identity — neighbors serving neighbors.

Looking Ahead

El Dorado Fire Rescue continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of a changing community and a changing fire environment. We are committed to recruiting and training the next generation of volunteers, and to strengthening the partnerships that will allow us to serve our community effectively for the next fifty years.