The City of Albuquerque has opened the Southwest Safety Center, a new facility designed to improve public safety services for families on the city’s west side. The center brings together Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR), Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS), and the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) under one roof for the first time.
The 21,000-square-foot building is located in a growing area of the city and aims to provide a stronger public safety presence. It is also notable as the city’s first new fire station in two decades.
Mayor Tim Keller said, “The Southwest Safety Center is more than just a building, it’s a promise to the families of the west side. By bringing all three branches of public safety under one roof, we are investing directly in the community’s safety and well-being.”
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham commented on her administration’s financial support for the project: “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.”
City Council Vice President Klarissa J. Peña emphasized its impact on local residents: “It is an honor to be here today to celebrate the grand opening of the Southwest Public Safety Center. 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 includes Fire Station 23 and APD’s public safety facility; ACS occupies a separate 3,000-square-foot space within the complex.
Overall features include:
– A four-bay garage for AFR
– 3,000 square feet allocated for APD
– 2,000 square feet designated for ACS
APD Chief Harold Medina noted his connection with southwest Albuquerque: “Given my personal attachment to Southwest Albuquerque during my career, I’m excited to partner with AFR and ACS on this project,” he said. “This expansion to the Southwest Mesa benefits the communities with a comprehensive approach to public safety.”
Jodie Esquibel, Director of ACS added: “This center strengthens our partnerships and ensures the community sees all of us together as a unified resource they can rely on. We’re proud to work alongside our emergency response partners as we reimagine public safety for the City of Albuquerque.”
Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo stated: “The opening of Station 23 affirms AFR’s commitment to improving response times and meeting the needs of our growing west side. 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 residents in this community.”
Funding for this $23.9 million project came from general obligation bonds approved by voters along with other municipal and state sources.
State Senator Michael Padilla said: “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.”
