Lawrence Baca was named chief of the City of Socorro Fire Department on July 26, 2021.
Caitie Ihrig | El Defensor Chieftain

Socorro Fire Chief Lawrence Baca was chosen by El Defensor Chieftain readers as the best firefighter. Baca started with the Socorro Fire Department as a firefighter more than 24 years ago and was one of the three captains when he was named interim chief in June 2021. He officially took on the job of fire chief a month later.

During his time as a firefighter, Baca worked under two different chiefs, with the most recent being Joe Gonzales. Through years working with Gonzales, Baca said he learned how to be accountable, to be on top of things, to take care of what is important, and to keep everyone’s attitudes positive. He also worked with Gonzales at vaccine clinics to learn how Gonzales would run it to make it a successful event. In a 2021 Chieftain interview, Baca said he wants to continue to lead by example as that is something he has done since he began with SFD.

“I would never ask them to do anything I wouldn’t do,” Baca said, in a 2021 interview.

The Socorro Fire Department is located at 202 Fisher Street, 575-835-3969.

Office hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Chieftain Staff Report