GRANTS, N.M. – On January 26 at the regular meeting of the Cibola County Commission, Fire Marshall Dustin Middleton announced new leadership in three of the county’s fire stations, and surprised a member of the team, EMS Nurse Practitioner/ Paramedic Elizabeth Melton of the University of New Mexico with a Cibola County badge.
Middleton said that he wanted to recognize the work of the team that keeps Cibola County safe from fires and life-threatening hazards, while honoring the emergency medical staff who work in sometimes harrowing environments.
Fire Marshal Middleton was joined by Cibola County Magistrate Judge Jonny Valdez to swear in the new chiefs.
Devin Marez was sworn in as the new chief of San Rafael’s fire station.
John Sweet was sworn-in as the new chief of Candy Kitchen’s fire station.
Dave Blood was sworn in as the new chief of Fence Lake’s fire department.
Then, Middleton presented a badge to Melton, who assists Cibola County as the Medical Director and EMS Nurse Practitioner/Paramedic of Cibola County. Melton works with the University of New Mexico’s Emergency Medicine fellowship, working with Cibola County Emergency Services and Management. Middleton said that Cibola’s partnership with UNM began in 2015 when contracts were signed. With this partnership, Cibola EMS personnel have more access to continued education and the ability to administer specific drugs which can be life-saving.
Courtesy Photo