City Opens Southwest Safety Center to Better Serve West Side Families
Mayor Tim Keller, the City of Albuquerque’s Public Safety leaders and other local leaders gathered to announce the grand opening of the Southwest Safety Center, a first of its kind
ALBUQUERQUE – Mayor Tim Keller, the City of Albuquerque’s Public Safety leaders and other local leaders gathered to announce the grand opening of the Southwest Safety Center, a first of its kind.
The Southwest Safety Center will bring the City’s three branches of public safety, Albuquerque Fire Rescue, Albuquerque Community Safety and the Albuquerque Police Department, together for the first time at one location. The 21,000-square-foot facility will increase safety for families in this growing area by creating a more prominent public safety presence. This is the City’s first new fire station in 20 years.
“The Southwest Safety Center is more than just a building, it’s a promise to the families of the west side,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “By bringing all three branches of public safety under one roof, we are investing directly in the community’s safety and well-being.”
“First responders must be on the scene as quickly as possible during emergencies, which is why my administration dedicated $3 million to this project that will help reduce response times and keep Albuquerque residents safe. I thank all who helped make Southwest Safety Center a reality,” said New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
"It is an honor to be here today to celebrate the grand opening of the Southwest Public Safety Center,” said Klarissa J. Peña, District 3 City Councilor, and City Council Vice President. “This beautiful, state-of-the-art center is now ready to serve our residents, bringing our APD, AFR, Community Safety together in one location, and will be a tremendous asset for the families and businesses of District 3. Our growing community will see increased safety and reduced response times. I am proud of the commitment our city has made to public safety and confident that this center will make a significant difference in the lives of everyone in the Southwest."
Phase one of construction includes Fire Station 23 and APD’s public safety facility. ACS’s building is 3,000 square-feet and will house ACS responders.
Overall, the SW Safety Center includes:
- A four-bay garage for AFR
- 3,000 square feet for APD
- 2,000 square feet for ACS
“Given my personal attachment to Southwest Albuquerque during my career, I’m excited to partner with AFR and ACS on this project,” said APD Chief Harold Medina said. “This expansion to the Southwest Mesa benefits the communities with a comprehensive approach to public safety.”
“This center strengthens our partnerships and ensures the community sees all of us together as a unified resource they can rely on,” said Jodie Esquibel, Director of Albuquerque Community Safety. “We’re proud to work alongside our emergency response partners as we reimagine public safety for the City of Albuquerque.”
“The opening of Station 23 affirms AFR’s commitment to improving response times and meeting the needs of our growing west side,” said Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo. “It is fitting that the first unit to be housed here is an Advanced Life Support Engine, reflecting our dedication not only to fire protection but also to delivering the highest level of emergency medical care to the residents in this community.”
The $23.9 million project was funded through general obligation bonds passed by the voters and other city and state funds, including state capital outlay.
“Public safety is a key element to building quality-of-life in our communities. This installation is going to move the southwest portion of Albuquerque in the right direction,” said State Senator Michael Padilla.
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