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Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue achieved Accredited Agency status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. Fire department employees took the opportunity to advocate for pay increases.

The department has been working to achieve the accreditation for four years, County Manager Julie Morgas Baca said. The Bernalillo County Commission recognized the achievement Tuesday.

The Commission on Fire Accreditation International helps fire and emergency service agencies improve their operations and services. Worldwide, 324 fire departments have achieved the accredited status. The accreditation also includes a tracking mechanism to continue department improvements.

鈥淭his would not be possible without the support of this commission, and for that, we鈥檙e grateful for the priority that you鈥檝e placed on public safety and for the continued support of our department,鈥� said Zach Lardy, deputy chief of administration.

Five fire department employees also spoke during public comment asking for better compensation.

鈥淭hese professionals serve our community with unwavering dedication, putting their lives on the line during emergencies,鈥� BCFR Lt. Joseph Trujillo said. 鈥淗owever, their salaries lag behind comparable public safety positions in Bernalillo County. This disparity coupled with the rising cost of living creates financial hardship for those who protect us. Many firefighters cannot afford to buy homes in the community they serve and even struggled to pay rent.鈥�

The annual Fire and Rescue pay for Bernalillo County . The typical pay is close to $50,000, with most employees making somewhere between $50,000 and $67,000 annually with hourly ranges from $18 to $26.