San Juan County Promotes Vega to Fire Chief

New San Juan County Fire & Rescue Chief David Vega

Chief Vega has 27 years of experience in the fire service, serving as a volunteer, paid firefighter, and on various Incident Management Teams on wildfires throughout the country. Vega has served with San Juan County since 2011. Before coming to San Juan County, Chief Vega worked for the US Forest Service, and the Los Pinos Fire Protection District. Chief Vega started his fire service career as a Volunteer Firefighter with the Pagosa Fire Protection District in 1996.

From San Juan County

Thursday, February 2, 2023

San Juan County announces the selection of David Vega as the next Fire Chief of San Juan County Fire & Rescue.
“I’m extremely humbled by this opportunity to lead such a unique, diverse and dedicated group of professional first responders,” said Chief Vega.
Vega most recently served as SJCFR Deputy Chief of Operations under Fire Chief John Mohler. Chief Mohler has retired effective January 31, 2023.  “David brings a wealth of fire service experience and a proven track record of success. The citizens of San Juan County will benefit from his leadership and passion to serve,” said San Juan County Manager Mike Stark.


Vega was one of six applicants from across the country who applied in January. A diverse panel of five professionals from across different disciplines selected Vega from three interviewed applicants.

Chief Vega has 27 years of experience in the fire service, serving as a volunteer, paid firefighter, and on various Incident Management Teams on wildfires throughout the country. Vega has served with San Juan County since 2011. Before coming to San Juan County, Chief Vega worked for the US Forest Service, and the Los Pinos Fire Protection District. Chief Vega started his fire service career as a Volunteer Firefighter with the Pagosa Fire Protection District in 1996.


San Juan County Fire & Rescue is comprised of 11 districts serving more than 3,000 square miles, including the City of Bloomfield. The dedicated volunteers respond to all types of emergencies and provide mutual aid to surrounding agencies.
For more information about volunteering and serving your neighbors as a member of San Juan County Fire & Rescue, call 505-334-1180 or go online to SJCFireRescue.net.

More from Local News

  • New Farmington Temple Prepares for Public Open House

    The public is invited to tour the Farmington Temple from Thursday, July 17, through Saturday, August 2, 2025, excluding Sundays.

  • SJRMC & San Juan College agree to expand Nursing Program

    Full-time nursing faculty members will receive a $10,000 annual stipend on top of their base salary to enhance the program’s capacity. In addition, students will have an opportunity to enter into an agreement with SJRMC to receive a substantial $4,800 living stipend per semester,

  • Downtown Farmington gets National Main Street Accreditation

     Historic Downtown Farmington’s performance was evaluated through assessments conducted by the organization’s personnel and board of directors, and New Mexico MainStreet, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify local programs that meet rigorous national community evaluation standards.

  • Man Arrested for Fruitland Murder

     Following verbal arguments at the house of Adrian Begay (age 45), De Andre Julian (age 23) left with his girlfriend, Adrian Begay’s daughter, Adriana Begay (age 21) to a nearby residence. Adrian Begay followed them to the exterior of the residence when De Andre Julian produced a handgun and shot Adrian Begay multiple times in the chest at close range.

  • Arrest Made in Farmington Killing

    After a lengthy investigation, Ms. Greenfield’s death was determined to be a homicide and detectives identified 27-year-old Serrono Rippingale as the suspect. On June 26th, 2025, an arrest warrant for Murder (2nd degree felony) and Tampering with Evidence (3rd degree felony) was obtained and served on Serrono Rippingale.

  • Farmington Hires New Museum Director

     “Nathan’s expertise in the museum industry, combined with his global perspective and passion for community engagement, make him a tremendous asset to Farmington,” said Christa Chapman, Director of Cultural Affairs. “We’re excited to see how his leadership will shape the future of the Farmington Museum System.”

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 95°F | Low: 54°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 90°F | Low: 48°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 100°F | Low: 55°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 93°F | Low: 54°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 86°F | Low: 61°F