Emily Jaramillo Begins Tenure as AFR’s First Female Fire Chief
March 7, 2023
Mayor Tim Keller appointed Emily Jaramillo for Chief for Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR). Today, Chief Jaramillo was officially promoted, becoming the first woman to lead the state’s largest fire rescue in its 123-year history.
Mayor Keller honored Chief Jaramillo’s new post at the Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) Promotions Ceremony on Tuesday afternoon, March 7, 2023. 28 other firefighters were also promoted to various positions including Driver, Lieutenant, Captain, and Battalion Chief during the ceremony.
Emily Jaramillo has been with Albuquerque Fire Rescue since 2005 and has worked in a variety of positions as a firefighter and paramedic within AFR prior to becoming the Deputy Chief of Emergency Services in 2018. In this role, she worked with her team and oversaw Emergency Medical Services, the HEART team, AFR Records, Quality Assurance, Pharmacy, EMS Training Divisions, and Firefighter Health and Safety. She also covered Field Operations and Human Resources for AFR during a prolonged search to fill these positions in Fire Administration.
“There is something sacred about being the first female fire chief, and I want to ensure I am not the last. From the moment that I set foot in the Fire Academy, I had countless mentors that helped encourage and guide me to better the department and achieve my own professional goals,” said Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo. “I would not be here today without all the people in my life both personally and professionally who believed in me and helped me navigate a career in a field with less than 5% women.”
“Emily Jaramillo is a proven leader within AFR. She has demonstrated skill, integrity and an unparalleled knowledge of the department and its values,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Albuquerque stands behind Chief Jaramillo as she takes on this new command, makes history in our city, and continues to guide AFR on its course of excellence.”
“Chief Jaramillo has already made a positive impact on the department and our community when she served as our First Deputy,” said Chief Administrative Officer Lawrence Rael. “With her promotion to Fire Chief, I believe we can all anticipate continued distinction from AFR.”
Emily obtained a Bachelors in English and Education from Luther College in 1999 and is currently completing a Masters of Public Health Policy at New Mexico State University. She volunteers time in the community as a youth basketball coach, and most importantly, she is a mother to two young children, Avielle and Isaiah.