Volunteers needed to rebuild San Antonio Fire Department

Volunteer fire departments across the country are facing steep declines in membership, and Socorro County is no exception. County Emergency Manager and Fire Marshal Fred Berger said the San Antonio Fire Department is now operating with just three active volunteers — a level he calls unsustainable for community safety.

“Volunteer recruitment all around the United States is down considerably,” Berger said. “This isn’t just a Socorro County issue. It’s happening everywhere, and departments have to get creative to survive.”

Berger, who began his role in February 2025, said several county fire districts have rebounded after leadership changes and renewed recruitment efforts. North County Fire Department, once struggling, has rebuilt its membership under Chief Adam Steinke and Assistant Chief Heather Donaldson. Midway Fire Department, Berger noted, has remained consistently well run.

San Antonio, however, has faced years of declining participation following multiple changes in leadership. Berger said the loss of volunteers is likely tied to an aging population and fewer younger residents willing to serve without pay.

“People want to be paid — and I don’t blame them,” Berger said. “I was a paid firefighter for 26 years. But the county can’t afford a full-time department right now. Volunteers are absolutely crucial.”

Berger emphasized that many misconceptions prevent people from volunteering, including the belief that firefighters must be exceptionally strong or that the role is only suited for men. He pushed back strongly on both ideas.

“Women belong in the fire service,” Berger said. “They can do everything men can do, and they bring a lot to the table — especially when dealing with children or traumatic situations.”

Volunteering, he added, does not always mean fighting fires. Departments also need support personnel to assist with rehabilitation, medical monitoring, logistics and community outreach during emergencies.

The county offers a cadet program beginning at age 16, allowing teens to train and assist in non-hazardous roles. At 18, volunteers can become full firefighters. Training costs — including firefighter certification and EMT classes — are covered by the county.

“These programs are a huge opportunity for young people,” Berger said. “They gain real-world experience, build resumes and open doors to careers in firefighting, emergency medical services, or emergency management.”

Berger noted that New Mexico faces a statewide shortage of firefighters and police officers, making volunteer departments an important pipeline into full-time public safety careers.

Beyond emergency response, Berger said fire departments have long served as community anchors — organizing food drives, fundraising for families in need and connecting residents to local resources.

“When people don’t know where else to turn, they call the fire department,” he said. “That sense of pride and service has always been part of the job.”

To address San Antonio’s staffing crisis, Socorro County plans to hold a community meeting in early February to encourage residents to get involved. Berger warned that relying solely on neighboring departments could result in dangerous delays.

“If it takes 10, 15, or 20 minutes for another department to reach San Antonio, that could be too late,” he said. “This is about neighbors helping neighbors.”

Berger said he hopes the meeting will help restore a sense of shared responsibility that has faded since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We need to reengage the community,” he said. “They need us — and we need them.”