by Brian Manning
COLFAX COUNTY — Larry Osborn, the Colfax County Fire Marshall, supports fire safety and assists the eight county fire districts which cover 3,700 square miles in Colfax County. All are volunteer departments except for Raton. He coordinates the eight fire districts and has quarterly meetings with all the chiefs to keep them informed.
The fire districts obtain funding through a tax on fire insurance premiums. Money is allocated depending on their Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating which is determined by a comprehensive inspection of the fire department. This includes their training program, apparatus, water supply, communications, and other matters. There are also inspections by the State of New Mexico.
Osborn also arranges training. The state provides instructors who travel to the county to teach certified courses. The Philmont Scout Ranch allows fire departments to do training there so that volunteers may train locally rather than traveling to Albuquerque.
Their goal is to have at least four certified firefighters at level 1 in each district. They train as firefighters and also in hazmat and basic EMT. This is a challenge because volunteers must give a lot of time for these classes, but the program has been very successful and the volunteers are dedicated.
Osborn just created a new fire district to provide coverage for areas that were far from any firehouse. He obtained a class A pumper that was in reserve because it would be of more value in the new district. He also helped them develop a rapid response team that provides mutual aid to the entire county. They will respond to any district that has a serious fire.
Osborn is also working to create Firewise communities in the county, a program that encourages homeowners to mitigate their property to limit the amount of fuel in the event of a wildfire. Some people are hesitant to cut trees because of their beauty, but it is necessary to thin trees, especially within 120 feet of a structure. This program can prevent devastating fires by limiting the amount of fuel near houses.
Osborn and his wife, Sherry, have been married since 1974 and live in Raton. They have three children and four grandchildren and enjoy spending time with them.
A good man hard at work he loves.