Heinrich Tours Bernalillo County Emergency Operations Center

Heinrich secured $750,000 to redesign and improve technology at the Center helping first responders keep New Mexicans safe

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, toured the Bernalillo County Emergency Operations Center to see how the $750,000 he secured in Congressionally Directed Spending will make needed improvements and technology upgrades at the Center.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) tours the Bernalillo County Emergency Operations Center onOctober 8, 2024.

"I'm proud to have secured funding to enhance the Bernalillo County Emergency Operations Center. These improvements will directly support our dedicated firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical responders who work tirelessly to safeguard the health and safety of all New Mexicans," said Heinrich. "I will always fight to deliver the resources and tools our first responders need to do their vital, lifesaving work and keep New Mexicans safe."

During his visit, Heinrich was also briefed by Bernalillo County Fire Department Chief Greg Perez, Bernalillo County Emergency Management Director Thomas Walmsley, Bernalillo County Undersheriff Johan Jareno, and Bernalillo County Undersheriff Aaron Williamson on how the millions of dollars in federal investments Heinrich has secured have benefitted local fire and police departments, better equipping first responders with new tools needed to keep New Mexicans safe.

Background:

In the Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations Bill, Heinrich secured $750,000 for Bernalillo County to redesign the Bernalillo County Emergency Operations Center and upgrade the Center's information technology systems and displays.

In addition to this investment, Heinrich cosponsored and secured passage of the Fire Grants and Safety Act, which has provided over $15.3 million to local fire departments in New Mexico. Specifically in Bernalillo County, this law has delivered:

• $2.4 million for Bernalillo County and its Fire and Rescue Department to recruit and retain firefighters.

• $1.6 million for Albuquerque and its Fire Department to recruit and retain firefighters, in addition to new resources needed to better respond to emergencies.

The Fire Grants and Safety Act, which was recently signed into law by President Joe Biden, reauthorizes two federal grant programs at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). For a full list of investments from this program that have delivered funds across New Mexico, click here.

For a list of Heinrich's actions to support law enforcement and first responders all across New Mexico, click here.

###

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Tweet