With her promotion today to Deputy Fire Chief, Wendy Elizabeth Servey just made history as the first woman in Los Alamos County to hold that rank.

This promotion actually marks the second time Servey has made local history. She also was the first woman to serve LAFD as a Battalion Chief. The highest rank achieved by a woman prior to Servey was that of Captain held by Kelly Grace-Meyer.

Fire Chief Troy Hughes announced Servey’s promotion and spoke of her integrity, honesty, and intelligence.

“LAFD is so fortunate to have Chief Servey as our new deputy chief,” Fire Chief Troy Hughes said. “She brings a wealth of experience from her many different fire service assignments. She serves with the highest degree of integrity, honesty, and intelligence. She cares deeply about LAFD and displays that care in all she does for LAFD and the women and men who work there. I am honored to work with someone of her caliber.”

Servey begins her new position as Deputy Chief effective today.

“I am excited and humbled to serve the firefighters of LAFD and the community of Los Alamos,” she said.

Chief Hughes detailed Servey’s depth of experience with her service in multiple chief-level positions including Fire Marshal, Operations Battalion Chief and Safety Division Chief. She has also served as the District Chief for Eldorado Fire District in Santa Fe County for seven years, Hughes said, adding that Servey was the third person in LAFD history to graduate from the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program.

“Her many years of experience and education will serve her well in her new role as Deputy Chief,” Hughes said. “LAFD will advertise the fire marshal opening in the coming weeks that is created with Servey’s promotion to Deputy Chief.”

Los Alamos Police Chief Dino Sgambellone and members of his department have worked with Servey through her more than 15 years of service with LAFD and he commended her promotion.

“Wendy has always been great to work with and the police department looks forward to continuing that relationship with Chief Servey in her new role,” Chief Sgambellone said.

LAFD Deputy Fire Chief Steve Dawald retired earlier this year and now serves as Deputy Fire Chief of Windsor Severance Fire Rescue in Colorado. He worked with Servey for several years at LAFD.

“I am happy to hear that Wendy has been selected to fill the Deputy Fire Chief position. Wendy has made many significant contributions to the Los Alamos Fire Department over her career,” Dawald said. “I am confident that Wendy will take the LAFD to new heights with her ‘can do’ attitude and open mind. Her background in Operations, Safety, and as Fire Marshal have built a strong foundation for her success. I applaud both candidates that had the courage to compete for the promotion. Both candidates were well qualified and capable to fill the role. I am proud to have worked alongside Wendy throughout a large part of my career and I look forward to seeing where she takes the LAFD from here. Congratulations Wendy on a job well done!”

Justin Grider retired as LAFD Deputy Fire Chief in 2016. He spoke about working with Servey when she first arrived at LAFD before his promotion to Deputy Chief and the esteem he holds for her.

“Congratulations Los Alamos and Wendy for attaining the Deputy Fire Chief position. When she was assigned to my crew as a probationary firefighter at Station 4, I knew she was destined for greatness with us,” Grider said. “Over the years she became a follower, a leader, a mentor, a confidant and a friend. I expect her to excel in her role and carry the mission and values of LAFD well into the future. The competition for the position was no doubt tough as all the candidates were of exceptional talent, knowledge and skill. What a good problem LAFD has! Wendy, I am proud and happy for you and you will continue to grow and do great things. LAFD, great job on creating such great people and finally, to the citizens of Los Alamos, you are extremely blessed with one of the best Fire Departments this world has to offer. Strong Work Deputy Chief Servey and I am honored to have worked for you!”

Servey joined LAFD in 2006 and first served as Paramedic / Firefighter II for 3 years. She was promoted to Fire Captain Paramedic in 2009 and served in that position for 5 years. In 2014 Servey was promoted to Division Chief – Safety, and served in that position for over 3 years before promoting to Battalion Chief – B-Shift Fire Operations. She served as Battalion Chief for one year, then promoted to Division Chief – Fire Marshal and has held that position for just under 4 years.

Servey’s education includes an Associates in Applied Science in Fire Science from Central New Mexico, Albuquerque; a Bachelor of Science in Technology from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio and Executive Fire Officer (EFO), June 2019, National Fire Academy, Emmitsburg, MD.

Her certifications include Paramedic, March 2023 expires, State of New Mexico and National Registry EMT-P, Selected related certifications: IFSAC Fire Officer III, IFSAC Instructor III, IFSAC Firefighter II, IFSAC Hazmat Awareness & Operations, Swiftwater/Flood Rescue Operations IRIA, Level II, IFSAC Vehicle Extrication, Technical Rescue Technician – LAFD, NWCG-S215, S230, S231, NWCG 410 Facilitative Instructor, NWCG L-280 Followership to Leadership, Incident Safety Officer (ISO), NFPA Certified Fire Inspector 1, IFSAC Fire Inspector II, NFPA-Certified Fire Plans Examiner, IAAI-Fire Investigation Technician, ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800, and All Incident Hazard Incident Command, Blue Card Command Incident Commander, Leadership Program Los Alamos, Class E Driver’s License NM.

In her spare time, Servey enjoys hiking, fishing, camping and art.