Swiftwater Rescue Team Deploys to Ruidoso

The Las Cruces Fire Department’s Swiftwater Rescue Team is deploying to Ruidoso, N.M., in anticipation of monsoon rains and the potential for heavy runoff in the flood-prone areas of the mountainous community.

The Swiftwater Rescue Team, part of LCFD’s Technical Rescue Team, includes six firefighters who are trained in water rescue operations. The team is leaving for Ruidoso on Monday, June 23, 2025. The deployment is anticipated to span seven days.

“Our deployment emphasizes the department and City’s continued commitment to being a statewide partner,” said Las Cruces Fire Department Chief Michael Daniels. “I’m extremely proud of our team’s commitment to serving the greater New Mexico community.”

In 2024, Las Cruces firefighters deployed to Ruidoso three times and to the Roswell area following the flooding those communities experienced. LCFD also has one member deployed for incident command duties in support of the Trout Fire in Grant County.

LCFD members deploying to Ruidoso are battalion chief/paramedic Jeremiah Lay, lieutenant/paramedics Christopher Torres and Christopher Johnson, driver/operators Arnold Diaz and Robert Fresquez, and firefighter Benjamin Monsivaiz.

Not all members of LCFD’s Swiftwater Rescue Team are deploying to Ruidoso. Several members remain in Las Cruces to handle local callouts if needed.