Firefighter Sam Trujillo Recognized with “Stories of Us” Dedication
Today a living legend was honored, as retired AFD firefighter Sam Trujillo had his career and legacy celebrated with a naming ceremony at the Albuquerque Fire Academy.
Over the course of his career, Trujillo played an important role in many of the most transformation aspects of the department. This includes his innovative work in program development, training, and policy creation.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Mayor Tim Keller, Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo, and retired AFD Firefighter Sam Trujillo gathered to celebrate the naming of the “Sam Trujillo Training Auditorium.”
“Sam Trujillo has truly left his mark through an irrepressible spirit of service and innovation that continues to influence our fire department,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Having Sam’s name on this training auditorium is a fitting and well-deserved tribute, honoring a lifetime of public service that continues today.”
Trujillo joined AFD in September of 1968 as a member of the 18th Cadet Class. In 1975 he attended AFD’s second paramedic class. During Sam’s career he worked in fire suppression, EMS, communications, HAZMAT, and administration. He was instrumental in setting up the flood channel rescue program, a very successful program that is still utilized to this day.
Trujillo retired as the Assistant Chief in charge of the Paramedic Program which consisted of 9 rescue units, 27 crews and a total of 81 personnel and 1 training officer. He also served on the Mayor’s Emergency Services Board and helped develop the Level One Trauma Center System.
After retiring in June of 1985, Trujillo became one of the founding members of the Albuquerque Fire Department Retirees Association. His leadership and vision left an indelible mark on Albuquerque and AFR and his name will now be a part of every training session and ceremony held in this auditorium.
“One of the most important aspects of the fire service is our honoring our traditions and the foundation laid by our predecessors,” said Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo. “Sam Trujillo has always demonstrated his forward thinking and has been vital in implementing progressive programs, but it is his dedication to honoring the past that defines his legacy.”
Trujillo continues his commitment to retirees and his fallen firefighter brothers and sisters and has personally attended over 200 AFD firefighter funerals.
"Sam Trujillo embodies the very best of New Mexico's public servants – someone who repeatedly put his life on the line running into burning buildings when others were running out, and who never stopped showing up for his community even after retirement,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “Through injuries and close calls, including falling through a ceiling and a dangerous electrocution, Sam kept coming back to serve because protecting people and property wasn't just his job – it was his calling. Our state is immeasurably better because of dedicated heroes like Sam Trujillo, and I can think of no one more deserving to have this auditorium bear his name."
In 2018 the Albuquerque Fire Department was renamed to Albuquerque Fire Rescue to better reflect the departments wider range of responsibilities, and the work fire responders are doing in the community.
ABQ Stories of Us is a tribute to the extraordinary people, past and present who have made significant contributions to the cultural, social, and economic fabric of the city.