Deputy Chief Sean Heck Selected for Executive Fire Officer Program

The Las Cruces Fire Department announces Deputy Chief Sean Heck has been accepted into the highly respected Executive Fire Officer Program, a distinguished professional development initiative designed for senior fire service leaders across the nation. Only seven members of LCFD have completed this prestigious program since its inception in 1985.

The Executive Fire Officer Program is administered by the National Fire Academy under the auspices of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It provides advanced leadership education, research opportunities, and strategic-level training focused on enhancing community safety, organizational effectiveness, and national preparedness.

Acceptance into the Program is a significant professional achievement. Candidates are selected based on their leadership experience, commitment to public service, and dedication to advancing the fire and emergency services profession. Participants complete a rigorous multi-year curriculum that includes executive-level coursework and the development of applied research projects addressing real-world challenges within their organizations and communities. Deputy Chief Heck has served LCFD for more than 23 years and is one of the first three paramedics in LCFD history.

In 2002 Heck graduated from the Department’s 22nd Academy, and after his probationary year, became LCFD’s EMS Coordinator. In 2007 he was promoted to lieutenant and completed a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science. He continued teaching EMS and is credited with helping improve the quality of the EMS program. In 2016 Heck was promoted to battalion chief and oversaw the department’s EMS Response Program. During his time as battalion chief, LCFD deployed new equipment to improve care for cardiac arrest and post-cardiac arrest patients. He also oversaw LCFD’s new record management system that streamlined reporting and improved data gathering. In 2024 Heck was promoted to Deputy Chief of Administration, where he continued to oversee all aspects of customer services while handling administrative duties for the department.

Today, as part of continued collaboration as an entire system with all departments across the County, Heck is currently serving at Dona Ana Fire Rescue in an interim Fire Chief position as the County seeks to hire its next Fire Chief.

Deputy Chief Heck’s selection for the Executive Fire Officer Program reflects his commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and excellence in public safety. Through participation in the program, he will further strengthen his expertise in executive leadership, risk reduction strategies, emergency management, and organizational transformation.

The Department congratulates Deputy Chief Heck on this outstanding accomplishment and looks forward to the knowledge and leadership insights he will continue to bring to the organization and the community.