Login

Gallup Sun

Friday, Mar 29th

Last update12:57:39 AM GMT

You are here: News Sun News Morales named GFD deputy fire chief

Morales named GFD deputy fire chief

E-mail Print PDF

Appointee is career city employee

Gallup Fire Marshal Jesus “Chuy” Morales just added yet another job title to a long and productive career at the city of Gallup.

Morales, an 18-year city fire department employee, was named deputy fire chief at the Aug. 9 City Council meeting. Gallup Fire Chief Eric Babcock made the announcement during the comment portion of the meeting.

“I want to announce that ‘Chuy’ Morales has been chosen as the new deputy fire chief,” Babcock said. “He is our new deputy chief.”

A deputy chief is second in charge at the fire department.

Morales said he interviewed for the position over the past month, but didn’t think he was in line for the job. He said he was surprised when he found out he got it.

“I’ve worked hard, and it is something that I’m very happy about,” Morales said after the meeting. “For me, this represents a lot of hard work and respect for the profession.”

A native of Sierra Blanca, Texas, Morales moved to Gallup with his family at a young age. Over the years at the Gallup Fire Department, Morales has been an entry-level firefighter, a fire inspector, and a fire marshal.

Considered affable and approachable, the new deputy fire chief said during his time as a city fire employee, he’s made a lot of memories. Above all, he remembers the numerous people he’s helped in one capacity or another while doing the job he was sworn to do.

The deputy fire chief position became available when former Deputy Chief Thomas Silva retired earlier this year.

By Bernie Dotson
Sun Correspondent

Share/Save/Bookmark