Matt Clark emphasizes data-driven response, 3–4 year ALS plan in Doña Ana County fire chief session

Matt Clark, a finalist for Doña Ana County fire chief, outlined his qualifications and a data-driven approach to meeting the county’s emergency-service needs during an external stakeholder session hosted by Doña Ana Fire Rescue and livestreamed to the public. Clark, who said he has served as fire chief in Williston, North Dakota, since 2021, reviewed his 21‑plus year career in public safety, academic background and experience pursuing federal grants such as AFG and SAFER.

Clark said he would measure the county’s 14‑minute response goal using the 90th percentile rather than averages so that improvement work raises service for most residents instead of only improving a mean. “If we try to work on and improve the 9 minutes and bring that down, we'll be improving that level of care for 90 percent of the community versus only doing it for 50 percent,” Clark said during his presentation.

Why this matters: Doña Ana County is planning significant growth and infrastructure projects cited in the county’s strategic materials. Clark and community speakers tied decisions about new stations, staffing and equipment to measurable baselines, grant funding and coordinated regional partnerships — all elements that affect response times, insurance ratings and public safety outcomes.

Key details from the presentation

- Experience and education: Clark described service as a volunteer and wildland firefighter, active‑duty Air Force and assignments with Ramstein Fire Department, then a decade in North Dakota where he became Williston fire chief (since…