History

The Silver City Fire Department was established as a volunteer organization to service the Town of Silver City in early 1875 with the purchase of the Towns first fire engine, reportedly the first in the State of New Mexico. At one point during the great depression the town offered housing to those willing to perform volunteer service as a firefighter. Throughout its history the department has evolved through fully volunteer, partially paid, and fully paid career department status. In late 1967 the Silver City Fire Department became a full-time paid department. Within six months of this decision the newly hired chief had built up a force of 14 paid firefighters. The Silver City Fire Department has since proudly served the community for over 13 decades.

Overview

The Silver City Fire Department is comprised of 21 shift personnel and 4 support staff. These personnel operate out of the two stations and one administrative office located in Silver City. The Silver City Fire Department services an estimated 10545 citizens living within City Limits and 31002 throughout the county, and covers roughly 130 square miles of territory.