Albuquerque Fire Rescue Promotes Four Executive Chiefs
Deputy Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs Announced
Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) is pleased to announce the promotion of four members from within the ranks of Albuquerque Fire Rescue to key executive leadership positions. Recent retirements initiated the selection process of multiple potential candidates for these Deputy Chief and Assistant Chief positions.
“Albuquerque Fire sets high standards and expectations of graduating cadet classes and rank and file promotions, AFR’s executive staff are the ones we count on to establish and uphold those expectations," said Mayor Tim Keller. "These Deputy and Assistant Chiefs must carry on the legacy of Albuquerque Fire and ensure the high level of service delivery that Albuquerque families expect."
Deputy Chief Bryan Breeswine joined Albuquerque Fire Rescue in 2012 as a member of the department's 82nd Cadet Class. A lifelong resident of the Albuquerque area, he has served in a variety of operational and leadership roles, promoting through the ranks from Firefighter Paramedic to Battalion Chief.
Throughout his career, Deputy Chief Breeswine has helped expand innovative EMS programs, supported Albuquerque Fire Rescue's public health response during the COVID-19 pandemic, and advanced provider education and quality improvement initiatives. He also served nine years in leadership positions with the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 244 and has remained committed to community service through organizations including the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Deputy Chief Breeswine holds an Associate of Applied Science in Paramedicine from Central New Mexico Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management from Eastern New Mexico University. As Deputy Chief of Finance and Logistics, where he oversees resource management and operational support for Albuquerque Fire Rescue.
As Deputy Chief of Finance and Logistics, Breeswine oversees the budget, and supports the operations and supply needs for AFR.
Deputy Chief Joseph Lopez was born and raised in Albuquerque’s South Valley. After graduating from Saint Pius X High School, he attended the University of New Mexico on a Track and Cross-Country scholarship, earning a Bachelor’s degree in University Studies. During his senior year, he was selected as a member of Albuquerque Fire Rescue’s 67th Cadet Class and began his career with AFR in 2004.
Throughout his career, Deputy Chief Lopez has served primarily at Fire Station 5 in southeast Albuquerque, advancing through the ranks from Firefighter to Battalion Chief. He was selected as Shift Commander in 2024. During his time serving the community, he has received multiple lifesaving awards and was part of a team recognized as Station of the Year while serving as Captain.
A dedicated instructor and mentor, Deputy Chief Lopez has spent more than 15 years developing firefighters through training, curriculum development, and professional development programs. He played a key role in the design and construction of two new training structures at the Albuquerque Fire Academy, helping ensure AFR firefighters have the resources needed to continue growing their skills and serving the community.
Beyond the fire service, Deputy Chief Lopez is a committed community member, husband, and proud father of three children. He remains dedicated to serving Albuquerque with compassion, leadership, and a continued commitment to excellence.
As Deputy Chief of Operations, Lopez supervises the Assistant Chiefs, and oversees field operations and response for AFR.
Assistant Chief Jason Ramirez has more than 19 years of fire service experience, including service with Rio Rancho Fire Rescue before joining Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) in 2011 as a member of the 80th Cadet Class. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of operational and leadership roles, including Heavy Technical Rescue, Fire Investigations, Battalion Chief, and Fire Academy instructor, while also contributing to numerous departmental initiatives focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Ramirez holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Waldorf University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration, and an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science. He has also completed the Fire Service Chief Executive Officer Program through TEEX and the National Fire Academy’s Managing Officer Program. He is also an instructor for AFR’s Professional Development Program and Central New Mexico Community College’s Fire Science Program. Chief Ramirez is also the founder of AFR’s annual Southeast Christmas Toy Drive, reflecting his commitment to both the department and the community it serves.
As Assistant Chief, Ramirez leads the personnel, oversees the operations and readiness of A-Shift.
Assistant Chief Frank Sanchez began his career with Albuquerque Fire Rescue in 1996, as a member of the department’s 57th Cadet Class. Over nearly three decades of service, Sanchez has held a variety of operational and leadership roles, including field response, Inspector in the Fire Marshal’s Office, field Company Officer and Battalion Chief.
During his time as Battalion Chief, Sanchez also served as Albuquerque Fire Rescue’s Director of Training for five years, overseeing eight hiring processes and cadet classes, numerous promotional processes, and department-wide professional development initiatives. He has been an active contributor to AFR’s Uniform Committee, Safety Committee, Field Training Officer Committee, and Instructor Cadre for Professional Development.
Throughout his career, Sanchez has demonstrated a commitment to firefighter development, operational readiness, and service to the Albuquerque community. He brings extensive experience, institutional knowledge, and a dedication to leading the members of Albuquerque Fire Rescue.
As Assistant Chief, Sanchez leads the personnel, oversees the operations and readiness of B-Shift.
“Today we celebrate the promotions of four career Albuquerque firefighters and almost 80 years of experience to the AFR Executive Staff,” said Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo. “These Chief’s bring decades of service, expertise and dedication to the team.”