Loving commits to $450K construction of housing for firefighters

In a unanimous vote April 19, the Village of Loving Council committed to an estimated $450,000 construction project at a local fire station.

The project would see the addition of a sleeping quarters for at least three firefighting and emergency medical personnel at the fire station located on 4th Street.

Joshua Mack, Eddy County fire and rescue chief, told Village Councilors that the County’s proposed budget included salary for three personnel to man that station, an annual financial commitment Mack said would benefit the Village and larger southern Eddy County. Eddy Commissioners will meet April 22 at 8 a.m. to review the draft budget at the County Administration building in Carlsbad.

Eddy County Commissioner Ernie Carlson said the addition of an EMT to Loving based out of the fire station has already made a difference to the region, and that the permanent placement of firefighting and other emergency personnel at the fire station could do so as well.

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The Village of Loving is also footing the bill for that EMT, paying $126,000 to Eddy County under an agreement between the two entities.

“That’s the whole idea, is we can increase the number of full-time employees to help our rural areas like Loving,” Carleson said. “It’s going to be great for the Village of Loving to have those trained people here for when you need it.”

The estimated cost of the project, $450,000, was arrived out with input from the general contractor, Mack said.

“There is need her an data upholds the need,” Mack said.

The funds, Mayor Pete Estrada said, would be appropriated from the Village’s general fund.

The Village of Loving turned management of its fire stations and personnel – once a volunteer fire department – over to the Eddy County in July 2021.

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The Village retained ownership of the fire facilities and equipment under the five-year agreement.

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The Village’s fire services came under review after it was placed on probation by the New Mexico Fire Marshall for a number of infractions, including failure to file requirement documents.

Mack said at the time that while he hoped to rebuild the volunteer fire force, interest was low and fire services for the region were already being provided by Eddy County personnel.

Jessica Onsurez can be reached at [email protected], @JussGREAT on Twitter at by phone at 575-628-5531.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Loving commits to $450K construction of housing for firefighters