A father’s day tribute to the late Fire Chief Arturo Benavidez

Arturo Benavidez was a devoted firefighter known for his unwavering commitment to protecting his community. Beyond his diligence, he was cherished as a loving father in a letter written by his children Arturo Jr. and Penny Benavidez.

Born in Socorro on June 10, 1946, he was the son of Maria and Lorenzo Benavidez. He graduated from Socorro High School and worked in a department store in California after finishing high school.

“His stepfather, George, took him to California to work in some fancy department store, he said he would have to go from floor to floor and get things that were going to be mailed out to people. And then he got drafted.” Penny Benavidez said.

In 1966, he was drafted and entered the Air Force, serving as a dental specialist and later as a combat medic in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1972.

After being discharged, he met his ex-wife in Minnesota and had a daughter named Melissa. His heart, however, ultimately called him back to Socorro, where he welcomed his two additional children, Penny and Arturo Jr. into the world.

He joined a volunteer fire department and eventually rose to the position of Assistant Fire Chief. He played a key role in establishing a paid fire department in the City of Socorro. His children Penny and Arturo Jr. said in the letter that he was originally recruited because of his combat medic experience in Vietnam, and he used those skills to help establish the department’s first EMT program, saving countless lives through his leadership and training.

“He helped build this department from the ground up with his men, starting with Station #1 and expanding it into three stations, two that currently serve the Socorro community today. He fought for fair wages, retirement security and the resources that current firefighters and community still benefit from today. But more than anything, he was proud of his men- the firefighters he trained and stood beside at every call. He would tell stories for hours about their bravery, the lives they saved, their accomplishments and what each of them meant to him.” Said the letter, “He never hid behind a desk; he was shoulder to shoulder with his men at every call, training, and fire. He pushed them to earn certifications, not because he demanded it, but because he believed in their potential. He kept group photos of every crew he served with hanging above his kitchen table his proudest possessions. These are my men, he’d say. Look at what they’ve done.”

To provide for his family, Arturo juggled multiple jobs, from driving school buses to engaging in the rigors of construction work. His children said his tireless spirit extended beyond his professional life, as he immersed himself in various community activities, always striving to make a positive impact.

Penny said a thirst for knowledge drove her father to pursue further education, earning degrees from Valencia College and the University of New Mexico (UNM).

“He never stopped learning. Even towards the end, I told him, let’s put the shelf together, and he would say, ‘Let’s look it up on YouTube.’” Penny Benavidez said.

He had a deep love and dedication to his community that lasted his lifetime. Penny said that on his last day, he was restless and in pain, and he asked her to take him for a drive so he could see his city.

The letter ends with “To my father: Your legacy lives on in every call answered, every life saved, and every firefighter who stands where you once stood. Your men remember. Your family remembers. And history will not forget what you built - both the department and the family of firefighters you loved…Chief Arturo Benavidez... Call #2... Your shift is done. Rest in peace, but your story isn’t over.”