Ron Herrera could have stopped fighting fires years ago. But what exactly, he wonders, would he do with himself then? Honored Monday for wrapping his 45th year with Albuquerque Fire Rescue, the 66-year-old lieutenant has now logged the equivalent of more than two full careers with the department. He once worked alongside the fathers – and, in at least one case, the grandfather – of some of his current peers. His career has included stops at about 10 stations across the city. He is believed to have served longer in the department than anyone else ever has.
“He breaks the record, is that correct?” Chief Paul Dow said as he presented Herrera with a plaque during Monday’s ceremony.
“I think I did that a while back,” Herrera responded to laughter from the colleagues who gathered to celebrate him.