Albuquerque is celebrating a milestone in public safety with the opening of the new Southwest Public Safety Center, a $23.9 million facility that brings together firefighters, police officers, and community safety responders under one roof. The facility is located at the corner of 98th Street and Amole Mesa Avenue, in one of the city’s fastest-growing areas—the Southwest Mesa.
For years, residents in this part of Albuquerque have voiced concerns about the lack of nearby emergency services. Rapid population growth on the West Side has created new challenges for law enforcement, fire response, and community safety personnel, who were often dispatched from several miles away. The opening of this new facility marks the culmination of years of planning and advocacy aimed at addressing these concerns.
Meeting a Growing Need
Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) Chief Emily Jaramillo explained that the Southwest Mesa community has long been underserved when it comes to timely emergency response. “The west side is our fastest-growing part of Albuquerque, and especially that Southwest Mesa area has for a long time needed emergency services closer so that we can get to their calls for service faster,” Chief Jaramillo said.
Before the new center opened, firefighters responding to emergencies in the area often had to travel from five miles away, significantly impacting response times. Now, with a fire unit stationed at the 21,000-square-foot facility, AFR expects to reduce 911 response times to within four to eight minutes—the gold standard they aim to achieve.
A New Model for Public Safety
The Southwest Public Safety Center is unique in that it houses not only firefighters but also officers from the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) and members of the Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) team. This collaborative approach represents an evolution in how Albuquerque handles public safety.
“This isn’t just a building; this is an evolution of public safety,” said ACS Director Jodie Esquibel. “All of us in one space for the community, for the city of Albuquerque.”
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The integration of multiple departments into a single facility reflects the city’s effort to coordinate resources more effectively and ensure residents get the right kind of help when they need it. ACS, for example, focuses on responding to nonviolent 911 calls related to mental health, homelessness, and substance use—calls that traditionally fell to police or firefighters but did not always require armed or medical intervention.
By bringing APD, AFR, and ACS together, the city hopes to streamline operations, reduce duplication of efforts, and build stronger relationships between public safety providers and the communities they serve.
A Long-Awaited Investment
The Southwest Public Safety Center is Albuquerque’s first new fire station since 2005, marking nearly two decades without major expansion in fire facilities. The building includes four bays for fire trucks, although only one is currently in use. City leaders anticipate filling the remaining bays as the area continues to grow and additional units are needed.
Construction took about 18 months to complete, and the project was funded through a combination of state and city dollars. Chief Jaramillo emphasized that the investment goes beyond bricks and mortar. “I think it’s also really just part of the city’s mission to show how all of our public safety departments integrate with each other,” she said.
Immediate Impact
Firefighters officially began taking calls from the new station on Friday, meaning Southwest Mesa residents are already benefitting from faster emergency responses. For families who previously waited longer for help to arrive, the difference could prove life-saving in critical situations like house fires, car accidents, or medical emergencies.
Police officers will also be better positioned to address crime and traffic concerns in the area, while ACS responders can provide on-the-ground support for individuals facing behavioral health challenges. Together, these resources promise to make the community safer and more resilient.
Looking Ahead
The Southwest Public Safety Center is part of a broader effort by Albuquerque to expand its public safety infrastructure. Another fire station is scheduled to open in November near Central Avenue and Juan Tabo Boulevard on the city’s east side. In addition, the city plans to break ground on a new station at Coronado Park in the coming weeks.
These projects demonstrate a recognition by city leaders that Albuquerque’s growth demands new and innovative approaches to public safety. As neighborhoods expand and populations shift, the city must ensure resources are distributed equitably and effectively.
A Community Milestone
For Southwest Mesa residents, the new center represents more than just a building—it is a sign that their voices have been heard. After years of requesting better access to emergency services, they now have a state-of-the-art facility in their own backyard.
The project also highlights Albuquerque’s commitment to modernizing its approach to public safety. By bringing together police, firefighters, and community safety workers, the city is positioning itself as a leader in integrated emergency response.
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“This facility is a promise to the people of Albuquerque that we are committed to their safety,” Esquibel said. “It’s about showing up when people need us most, and doing so in a way that reflects the diversity and unique needs of our community.”
Conclusion
The opening of the Southwest Public Safety Center is a landmark achievement for Albuquerque, addressing long-standing concerns about emergency response times in a rapidly expanding part of the city. With its multi-department approach, the facility represents not only an investment in infrastructure but also a new philosophy of collaboration and community-centered service.
As Albuquerque continues to grow, the center stands as a symbol of progress—bringing critical services closer to residents and setting a precedent for future public safety initiatives across the city.
