City of Santa Fe Fire Chief Babcock to Retire,
Assistant Chief Moya to Lead Department
November 30, 2021 -- City of Santa Fe Fire Department Chief Paul Babcock has announced his retirement, effective December 24, 2021. Assistant Chief Brian Moya will take over as Fire Chief the same day.
Mayor Alan Webber says: "Chief Babcock deserves a great deal of respect and gratitude for helping to keep Santa Fe safe for 31 years. The readiness of Assistant Chief Moya to transition directly into the role is testimony to the qualities that both men bring to this critical profession of saving lives and property. We’re fortunate to have a continuity of steady leadership for a strong department.”
Chief Babcock began his career with the City of Santa Fe Fire Department in 1990. In 1992, he attended the University of New Mexico School of Medicine Paramedic Program and continues to hold his Paramedic license. Chief Babcock moved up the ranks and was named Fire Chief in 2018. Some of his notable achievements include the development and implementation of an expanded emergency medical services (EMS) division, including the creation of an alternative response unit (ARU). Chief Babcock has positively impacted homelessness in our community by expanding case management services for behavioral health needs, championing the City’s Code Blue Program, which deploys fire crews to do wellness checks, distributes sleeping bags, and transports unsheltered people to shelter during frigid temperatures. Chief Babcock ensured crisis intervention training was implemented for all fire crews.
Over the years, Chief Babcock has been able to forge a productive relationship with the Fire Department’s union. Succession planning has been an integral part of Chief Babcock’s leadership style and he is pleased that his departure will be seamless, as his two assistant fire chiefs have been an essential part of the department’s growth under this administration.
Chief Babcock says: “I am as humbled today as I was on the day I accepted the position. The Fire Department’s greatest asset is its personnel, as they are the frontline in providing vital services to the community.” Chief Babcock looks forward to spending more time with his wife of 26 years and three sons.
Chief Brian Moya was born and raised in Galisteo, New Mexico. He graduated from Capital High School in 1999. He started his career with the City of Santa Fe Fire Department in 2002. Brian’s passion and love for the Fire Department comes from his rich family tradition in fire service. His father, Steve Moya, is a retired Assistant Fire Chief with Santa Fe County Fire Department; his mother, Jean Moya, is currently the Fire Chief of Galisteo Volunteer Fire Department; his wife, Melissa, is currently employed with Santa Fe County Fire Department and runs the COOP program.
Moya has held many ranks throughout his career, including Training Captain, Health & Safety Officer, and the last year and a half as Assistant Chief of Support Services. He is supported by his loving wife, Melissa Moya, and their four beautiful children, who have always encouraged him to follow his dreams.
Assistant Chief Brian Moya says: "The greatest asset of the Fire Department is the community of personnel. Each and every person I serve with provides vital services to the public and truly upholds the frontline worker model with integrity and servitude. I am looking forward to working alongside the exceptional men and women of the department and continuing the vision laid in front of me by my predecessors."
Media contact: Dave Herndon, Communications Director; daherndon@santafenm.gov
