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Doña Ana County nearing contract with NMSU; assistant VP Andrew Bowen to serve as interim fire chief up to six months
Summary
County staff said they are finalizing a contract with New Mexico State University to bring in an outside expert to stabilize Doña Ana County Fire Rescue; Andrew Bowen of NMSU would serve as interim fire chief for up to six months once the contract is signed.
Doña Ana County officials told commissioners they are in the final stages of entering a contract with New Mexico State University that would bring an outside expert to stabilize operations at Doña Ana County Fire Rescue.
Assistant County Manager Steven Lopez reported the county is working to ensure a smooth transition for a new fire chief and to engage the public in the hiring process. The county indicated that, once the contract is signed, Andrew Bowen, New Mexico State University's assistant vice president for public safety, would serve as the county's interim fire chief for up to six months during the transition.
The statement came during the March 25 meeting recap; no formal vote or contract number was provided in the recap. County staff described the arrangement as standard industry practice to provide interim leadership and operational stabilization while the county completes a permanent hiring process.
The recap did not specify contract terms, cost to the county, or a start date. County officials said they expect to finalize the contract and follow the public hiring steps described by staff.
