Mayor Keller and Interim Chief Gallegos Announce Newly Appointed Deputy Chief Positions at AFR
July 26, 2021
Mayor Tim Keller and Albuquerque Fire Rescue Interim Fire Chief Gene Gallegos today announced the appointments of Emily Jaramillo as the Deputy Chief of Human Resources, previously Deputy Chief of Emergency Medical Services and Battalion Chief Chris Ortiz to fill the position of Interim Deputy Chief of Emergency Medical Services.
“We’re fortunate to have two outstanding members of the fire service step into these key leadership roles,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Emily Jaramillo and Chris Ortiz have made extensive contributions within the department as well as in the field. We look forward to their continued leadership, supporting the wellbeing and professional advancement of our first responders and further developing the abilities and services provided by our exemplary EMS team.”
Deputy Chief Emily Jaramillo, Human Resources
“I am honored to serve Albuquerque Fire Rescue in the capacity of Deputy Chief of Human Resources. I believe our firefighters’ mental health and physical wellbeing are critical components in their ability to perform their duties as they serve our community,” said Deputy Chief Emily Jaramillo. “Internal and external customer service are priorities in this division, and I am excited to get to work with our firefighters and community in this new role.”
Over the past 16 years, Deputy Chief Jaramillo has served in many roles at AFR including as aparamedic, field operator, instructor with the training division, professional development coordinator, and most recently as the Deputy Chief of Emergency Services alongside Interim Deputy Chief Christopher Ortiz over the past three and a half years. In many of her roles, DC Jaramillo has supported the professional development of her colleagues.
Early in her career, DC Jaramillo helped with the implementation of the first AFR Peer Fitness and Peer Support programs, focused on firefighter physical and mental health. DC Jaramillo also served on the AFR Safety Committee and participated in the implementation of the first firefighter cancer prevention initiative.
As the Human Resources Deputy Chief, DC Jaramillo will oversee human resources for AFR, the Public Affairs Office, and the Health and Safety Division which includes the safety office, behavioral health division, and firefighter physical and mental health programs.
In 2014, DC Jaramillo and her crew were recognized by the IAFF Local 244 for “Saving Our Own” for saving the life of a fellow firefighter. She also received the IAFF Local 244 Leadership award in 2015. This Fall, she will start a graduate degree program at New Mexico State University in Public Health Policy.
Interim Deputy Chief Christopher Ortiz, Emergency Services
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to represent AFR’s Emergency Medical Services Division. With the support of the administration and the commitment of our firefighters, our department has accomplished unprecedented advancements in prehospital care,” said Deputy Chief Christopher Ortiz. “It is a testament to the hard work and continued dedication of our EMS providers to the City of Albuquerque.”
Born and raised in Albuquerque NM, Deputy Chief Christopher Ortiz has served with Albuquerque Fire Rescue for 16 and a half years.
DC Ortiz most recently worked as the Battalion Chief of Emergency Medical Services and was appointed to an interim position as Deputy Chief of Emergency Services in July. He manages AFR’s EMS Quality Assurance program, Records Management Division, AFR Pharmacy, as well as the Home Engagement Alternative Response Team (HEART). Prior to that, he worked as the EMS Administrative Captain as well as EMS Quality Assurance Captain for the Albuquerque Fire Rescue.
DC Ortiz assisted in the development and planning of many of the cutting-edge EMS initiatives for AFR such as its first BLS Rescue program, community EMS program, pre-hospital ultrasound, cerebral oximetry study and the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program with UNMH, the first of its kind in North America. In 2019, along with AFR Deputy Chief Emily Jaramillo and Medical Director Dr. Kim Pruett, DC Ortiz successfully petitioned the New Mexico Public Regulations Commission (NMPRC) to award Albuquerque Fire Rescue’s full transport authority as a certified ambulance provider.
DC Ortiz received the 2020 IAFF local 244 Outstanding Leadership award. He assisted in the policy design and management of Albuquerque Fire Rescue’s COVID-19 response. This work included serving in the City of Albuquerque’s Office of Emergency Management as well as the creation of internal procedures for tracking exposures and vaccine administration for firefighters. He also assisted in supporting NMDOH with COVID testing, public vaccine sites, and a mobile vaccine program for homebound residents.