Sandoval County Fire Chief Named New Mexico Fire Officer of the Year
Sandoval County, NM
September 11, 2012

James Maxon, interim fire chief for Sandoval County, has been named New Mexico Fire Officer of the Year.

Maxon received the honor Monday during opening ceremonies for the 2012 Fire and EMS Expo in Socorro. The Expo is held in conjunction with the State Fire Marshals annual Fire School, a week-long training program open to all of the states fire and emergency medical personnel. The school is held at the New Mexico Fire Academy on the campus of New Mexico Tech.

In announcing the selection of Officer of the Year, State Fire Marshal John Standefer noted Maxons many accomplishments over a 20-plus-year fire service career, including his role in co-founding a Fire Science Program at Santa Fe Community College.

Maxon was tabbed as the 2012 Officer of the Year in part because of the manner in which he has stepped into a new leadership role following the tragic, unexpected death of Sandoval County Fire Chief Jon Tibbetts. Maxon was previously the Sandoval County Fire Marshal, a position he continues to fill while also serving as interim fire chief.

James has managed to keep the Sandoval County Fire Department performing at the same level of excellence during an especially challenging time, Standefer said.

I am not only honored, but humbled, to accept this honor, Maxon said. It means a lot because it comes from a group of my peers. However, I have to say I would not be in this position if not for the many mentors Ive had over the years, including Chief Tibbetts. I also need to give a special thanks to men and women of the Sandoval County Fire Department who have given me great support along the way.