Preston Neff moved to Cibola County nearly eight years ago and soon afterward became a member of a reportedly struggling Bluewater Volunteer Fire Department. “I was told to from others to stay away from the Bluewater department,” said Neff earlier this week. “People were telling me that if I was interested to join another nearby department because Bluewater’s department was struggling and was lacking volunteers. I chose Bluewater anyway because it was in my community.”
Cibola County officials, and residents for that matter, today are proud Neff chose Bluewater. Now chief of the department, he was recently recognized by the state for his efforts in improving the once struggling volunteer fire department. Neff was named “Chief of the Year” by the state’s fire marshal’s office.