Edgewood Faces Loss of Fire and EMS Services as Santa Fe County Ends Contract

Town and fire department announce joint powers agreement will end on June 30, leaving residents concerned about future emergency response.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:41pm

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A photorealistic painting of a solitary fire truck parked on a deserted street in Edgewood, New Mexico, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a cinematic, nostalgic atmosphere that reflects the town's uncertain future without emergency services.The impending loss of fire and EMS services in Edgewood casts a somber mood over the quiet streets, raising concerns about public safety in the small town.Edgewood Today

The town of Edgewood, New Mexico, is facing the loss of fire and emergency medical services after the Santa Fe County Fire Department (SFCFD) announced it will terminate its joint powers agreement with the town on June 30. The agreement, in place since 2005, provided 24/7 fire and EMS coverage, with over 80% of calls coming from within Edgewood. The town and fire department have cited disagreements over payment amounts as the reason for the contract termination, leaving Edgewood residents worried about who will respond to future emergencies.

Why it matters

The end of the fire and EMS contract between Edgewood and the SFCFD raises concerns about public safety and emergency response capabilities in the town. Residents rely on the highly qualified first responders provided by the county, and the loss of these services could have serious consequences if not replaced in time.

The details

Under the joint powers agreement, the SFCFD provided fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical services, fire prevention, and other services to Edgewood in exchange for the town paying county impact fees and the equivalent of the county fire protection excise tax. However, the town and fire department have cited disagreements over the exact payment amounts as the reason for the contract termination. Edgewood Mayor Mike Rariden said there were 'different interpretations in the joint powers agreement' regarding the payment amounts, leading to the settlement that will end the contract with no financial payment by either side.

  • The joint powers agreement between Edgewood and the SFCFD will end on June 30, 2026.
  • In fiscal year 2022-2023, the town paid $658,077.19 in fees, but the town management asserted the amount due in fiscal year 2023-2024 was only $10,319.21 and $10,035.12 through May of fiscal year 2024-2025.

The players

Santa Fe County Fire Department (SFCFD)

The county fire department that has provided 24/7 fire and emergency medical services to Edgewood under a joint powers agreement since 2005.

Edgewood

The town in New Mexico that has received fire and EMS services from the SFCFD, but is now facing the termination of the contract on June 30, 2026.

Mike Rariden

The mayor of Edgewood, who stated there were different interpretations of the payment amounts in the joint powers agreement.

Jennifer White

The manager of Old Mill Edgewood, who is concerned about losing the highly qualified first responders provided by the SFCFD.

Local IAFF 4366

The firefighters union that has requested people to attend a closed-door meeting, stating the decision will 'leave the residents we took an oath to serve without the protection they've come to expect, and tragedy will result if this decision is not reversed.'

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What’s next

The Edgewood Town Commission will hold a closed-door meeting on Tuesday at 5 p.m. to discuss the issue with the Santa Fe County's attorney, as the town is facing the potential of 'threatened or pending litigation' related to the contract termination.

The takeaway

The end of the fire and EMS contract between Edgewood and the Santa Fe County Fire Department highlights the challenges small towns can face in maintaining critical public safety services, especially when there are disagreements over payment amounts and contract interpretations. Edgewood residents are now left concerned about the future of their emergency response capabilities and the potential consequences if a suitable replacement is not found in time.