Ex N.M. Capt. Said Dept. Resignations Not Organized Walk-Out

The former captain of the Sunshine Volunteer Fire Department says the recent resignations of volunteers leading to the department having one member, the chief, were for various reasons and not an organized walk-out.

Tierra Byrne, former captain and wife of former chief Roderick Byrne, says they gave Luna County a reason for resigning that had no malicious intent.

"The resignation letter had stated he was retiring from the department because he was not able to put forth the hours with him also working at the mines," she said. "We had informed them we were only running a skeleton crew."

She said the Facebook postings referred to by the county in a previous story were posted about a month ago regarding the couple's retirement.

"People moved; (our) sons stepped down when we stepped down," she said. "They said the same thing as everybody else, they were having a hard time working or trying to find work and driving all the way out to volunteer."

She said her husband has also offered to stay with the department for the next month to help bring the new chief, Columbus resident Darwin Williams, "up to steam."

"It's not like we just walked off," she added. "We didn't try to do that, it's just different people had different things going on and it all seemed to hit at one time."

On Wednesday, the county released a statement indicating it is looking for individuals interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter at one of the four county fire departments.

"If you are an individual that likes helping others, then I encourage you to learn more about our organization of volunteer firefighters," Mark Jasso, director of emergency services for the county, said in the release. "You do make a difference as a volunteer when you help serve your family, friends and members of the community."

The training to becoming a volunteer firefighter includes fire prevention, fire truck operations, emergency recognition and team-building exercises, all of which the county says is an opportunity to start a career path as a professional firefighter.

Those interested are encouraged to visit a local department. Sunshine VFD is located at 65 Sunshine Road south of Deming. Florida Mountain VFD is located east of town just off Highway 549 near the Adobe Deli Restaurant. The Savoy VFD is located west of the city on Highway 418 near the travel center. Cookes Peak VFD is located north of town off Highway 26 on Tulip Dr. NE.

Matt Robinson can be reached at [email protected]