EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Las Cruces Fire Department (LCFD) has a new fire chief, according to the City of Las Cruces on Wednesday, March 19.
Michael Daniels, a 19-year veteran with Las Cruces Fire, will take command on Monday, March 24.
Daniels succeeds Jason Smith, who retired back in January after 22 years of service.
According to the City of Las Cruces, Deputy Chief Sean Heck has been serving as interim fire chief since Feb. 1.
“I selected Michael Daniels as our next Fire Chief after a very competitive selection process with strong external and internal candidates,” City Manager Ikani Taumoepeau said. “It’s a testament to the Las Cruces Fire Department and the City of Las Cruces that we have such well-trained and highly qualified personnel who are capable of stepping in and fulfilling the duties of this vital position.
“I have every bit of confidence that Michael will do a wonderful job leading the Las Cruces Fire Department and engaging with our community for years to come.”
Daniels began his career with the fire department in July 2006 after serving in the U.S. Navy, according to the City.
According to the City, he has previously served as a driver/operator, interim training officer, lieutenant/paramedic and battalion chief before earning the rank of deputy chief.
Currently, Daniels is the president of the Southwestern Division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and is one of the governor’s appointees on the New Mexico Fire Protection Grant Council, according to the City.
In addition, Daniels has earned several awards and commendations throughout the years, including Firefighter of the Year in 2011 by the Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce and received a National Fire Academy Outstanding Research Award in 2020 for the highest-rated community risk reduction research paper he published in 2019 through the Executive Fire Officer Program, the City said.
Daniels earned his bachelor’s degree in individual studies in 2012 from New Mexico State University. He then earned a master’s degree in business administration and was an honor’s graduate in 2016 from Western New Mexico University.
Read: Read More