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Alamogordo Fire Department names Jacob Lawrence firefighter of the year; Lawrence and Estrella Martinez receive lifesaving awards
Summary
The City Commission recognized firefighter Jacob Lawrence as the department's firefighter of the year and presented lifesaving awards to Lawrence and Estrella Martinez for a March 23, 2025 rescue; the department highlighted IFSAC certifications and volunteer training accomplishments.
The Alamogordo City Commission recognized firefighter Jacob Lawrence as the Alamogordo Fire Department's firefighter of the year and presented lifesaving awards to Lawrence and firefighter Estrella Martinez on April 22, 2025, for a March 23 rescue that department officials said saved a homeowner's life.
Lieutenant John Stroop described Lawrence's record and certifications in presenting the firefighter-of-the-year recognition. Stroop said Lawrence joined the department as a paid firefighter on Dec. 18, 2023, after serving as an Alamogordo Fire Department volunteer and completing a series of International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) certifications including Firefighter I and II, hazardous materials operations, driver/operator, vehicle extrication and technical rescue. "Firefighter Lawrence attends all shift trainings with enthusiasm and is always ready to learn," Stroop said in his remarks.
Deputy Chief Lashley and Stroop also presented a lifesaving award to Lawrence and Estrella Martinez for entering a burning residence at 1735 Buena Vista Court on March 23, 2025. According to the department's account presented to commissioners, the two firefighters conducted a search and rescue, located a trapped homeowner, provided first aid and transferred the victim to emergency medical personnel; department officials said the actions prevented further loss.
Acting City Manager Dr. Stephanie Hernandez praised the department's range of responsibilities beyond structure fire response, noting its roles in investigations, rescues, wildland operations and mutual aid to neighboring communities during recent incidents. Chief Ramirez and commissioners led public applause for the awardees.
Why it matters: The department used the commission meeting to publicly acknowledge certifications, on-the-job training and a documented local rescue; the recognition highlights personnel readiness and interagency response capacity.
Next steps: The commission and staff encouraged continued training and public recognition of first responders; no formal policy or budget action was tied to the awards.
