Just after 8:30 p.m. on May 31, 1991, an F2 tornado appeared south of Carlsbad near Wagonwheel Rd. Fortunately, no one was killed, although a number of others were hurt. Many homes and other outbuildings including sheds and barns, were destroyed or damaged during the brief time the tornado was active.

People began giving money to the Joel Volunteer Fire Department chief for relief to the victims in the days that followed. The principal emergency response agency in the region was Joel VFD. The chief opened an account separate from the department’s budget after receiving hundreds of dollars in order to legally accept the donations. The Joel Firefighters’ Auxiliary, which later transformed into an official 501(c)(3), was in charge of that money.

The Joel Firefighters’ Auxiliary members chose to reform into what is currently the Joel Firefighters’ Association in 2022. Current and past volunteer firefighters and their families, make up the Joel Firefighters’ Association.

Our History

About

Who We Are

We are an independent non-profit that does not receive state, county, or municipal funding.

Mission

The mission of the Joel Firefighters Association is to recognize and support past and present volunteer firefighters for their dedication and commitment to the community through educational scholarships and support. In addition to providing resources to help rural New Mexico volunteer fire departments that have little to no funding for training, equipment and other needs.

Motto

Honor the past volunteer, Value the present volunteer and Respect the time volunteers have sacrificed.