Staff

The NMSU Fire Department was established in 1921 by a group of dedicated University firefighter volunteers. We are one of less than ten Universities who run student staffed Fire Departments in the country. Our primary firefighter force is made up of 14 students. These firefighters are full-time students at either Doña Ana Community College or NMSU main campus. They are trained to NFPA standards at the IFSAC Firefighter II level and are supported by a Fire Chief, a Deputy Chief, two career Fire Captains, two career Firefighters, and one Administrative Assistant.

	Johnny Carrillo Fire Chief Chief Carrillo has been an active firefighter in the Las Cruces area for over 30 years, previously serving 21 years with the Las Cruces Fire Department before coming to the NMSU Fire Department in 2009. He was appointed Fire Chief in June of 2013. Chief Carrillo notes “it is a privilege to serve the NMSU community in this capacity.”
	Louis Huber '04 Deputy Fire Chief Deputy Chief Huber has been involved in the emergency response field as a firefighter and trainer for over 25 years. DC Huber previously served 23 years with the Las Cruces Fire Department before coming to the NMSU Fire Department in 2014. DC Huber is an Alumni of NMSU and is proud to again be serving the community as NMSU Deputy Fire Chief.
	John Guerin Captain Captain John Guerin has over 22 years of experience in the fire service. Before joining NMSU Fire Department in April of 2015, he served as a Battalion Chief for the Las Cruces Fire Department. He has held the ranks of Firefighter, Driver, Lieutenant and Battalion Chief. John is an alumnus of NMSU and is very proud to serve the NMSU community.
	Kellen Tarkington Captain Kellen Tarkington has more than 13 years in the fire service. Before joining the NMSU Fire Department in February of 2013, he served as the lead fire investigator for the Dona Ana County Fire Department. He has held the ranks of firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain and District Chief.
	Tyler Laramore Firefighter Tyler Laramore originally joined the NMSU Fire Department as a student firefighter while studying biology at NMSU. Since graduating, he continues to further his education, pursuing IFSAC certifications and working towards an MBA specializing in Health Services Management. Tyler is a proud member of the NMSU Fire Department and is honored to continue serving the NMSU community in this role.
	Stephen Elliott Firefighter Stephen Elliott has 8 years of experience in a call department before joining NMSU in June of 2023. Stephen has an associates in Fire Science from Mount Wachusett Community College in his home state of Massachusetts. Stephen is proud to serve the NMSU community.
	Mary Ann Ventura Administrative Assistant

Student Firefighters

Firefighters with NMSU Fire Department are provided with a unique opportunity. Not only are they exposed to the possibilities of a career in firefighting, we also provide an atmosphere of respect for self and others. Our students learn how to be great leader as well as a great follower. They learn discipline, responsibility, loyalty and qualities of a good team member.

To be considered for a student firefighter you must be enrolled at the NMSU Main Campus or DABC as a full time student with 12 or more credit hours. You also must maintain your GPA at 2.0 or higher and be able to commit to the NMSU Fire Dept. for a minimum of three to four years. This is a very demanding lifestyle and not suitable for all. For those, that choose this opportunity it will be one of those experiences in life that you will be able to learn from and build on in whatever career path you eventually choose.

Kyle Cummings	Isaiah Hernandez	Martha Aguilera
Bryson Medeiros	Alfredo Sepulveda	Andrew Corral
Salvador Ronquillo	Abraham Trejo	Nate Armendariz
Ramon Zubia	Arath Ronquillo