Charles Blaylock named new fire chief in Magdalena

Charles Blaylock has been appointed the new Fire Chief of the Magdalena Volunteer Fire Department.

Charles, a former Marine and pharmaceutical research chemist, moved to New Mexico after spending a decade as a farmer. He and his wife, Laura Blaylock, joined the fire department in January 2023 after noticing a need for volunteers.

“My first friend in town was on the fire department,” Charles said. “I went to a meeting and saw how they were struggling with enough people, so both my wife and I joined.”

Over the past three years, Charles said he has taken on increasing responsibilities, including administrative and regulatory tasks, training coordination, and community outreach.

His dedication led him to serve as assistant chief before stepping into the top role following the retirement of former Fire Chief Richard Rumpf.

“I like to do things that need to be done,” Charles said. “That naturally transitioned me toward becoming assistant chief so I’d have the authority to do those things.”

Charles said his vision for the department includes greater community engagement and recruitment efforts.

“We’ve been kind of just a ‘get the fires, get things done’ department,” he said. “I want it to be more of an engaged community center.”

Laura Blaylock, who also volunteers with the department, emphasized the importance of legislative efforts to support emergency medical services in rural areas.

“There’s a desperate need for additional volunteers, as well as legislation that will provide funding for paid EMT positions,” she said. “Volunteers are aging out, and the population is declining.”

Charles also collaborates with Jason Everett, Fire Chief of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, to improve EMT and paramedic coverage in Socorro County. He said the department is working to engage with lawmakers to bring more resources to rural emergency services.

In addition to his duties at the fire department, Charles is active in the Astronomical Society and maintains roads near his home, especially after recent heavy rains.

Charles said he’s motivated by a desire to use his skills to help others.

“I’ve always felt it’s important to use my skills and gifts to help other people out,” Charles said. “Being part of the fire department is a good way to help people when they’re having a really bad day.”