January 14th 2026
Monthly Meeting Report
The 305th AFDRA meeting was called to order at 1900. Attendance was good and we had two first time attendees. After the Pledge of Allegiance, Tommy Romeo gave the opening prayer. Sam read the names of those we lost in 2025 and gave a brief reflection of each one.
Roll call of Officers and Advisory Board members. All Executive Board members present.
Herman presented two awards to two very deserving people. First, we gave a certificate of Honorary membership into the AFDRA to Gil Garcia. Gil is a retired city employee who started All Star Trophies upon his retirement and has made every plaque and retiree tag since our founding. Many of you may not know him, but he has been a friend of our association for 25 years. Secondly, we presented Mike Fox with a beautiful Lifetime Achievement Fire Service Award, made by Gil Garcia, for Mike’s years of dedication and service to the AFDRA.
President’s Report;
By Kerry Horton
It’s New Mexico Legislative session time again, starting Tuesday, January 20th, and that means that there may be some PERA bills floating around. Nothing has been filed yet but I am hearing rumors that there may be a bill to issue two more years of 13th checks to all retirees in addition to the .5% COLA’s that are expected over the next two years. The other bill is rumored to give retirees over 65 a COLA increase of 1.68% over the next two years in addition to the regular COLA issued by PERA. I will track activities in Santa Fe and keep you informed.
We are issuing new ID Badges so if you want a new badge, come to the next meeting so that we can take your photo, or email me a headshot. I am trusting you not to be rude!
We are sponsoring another Funeral Pre-Plan seminar on January 27th, 6:30 pm at the union hall. Dinner will be served so please RSVP to me by email or call Russell Perea at 505-546-6641.
Vice President’s Report;
By Donny Sanchez
No report
Secretary’s Report;
By Eddie Abeita
Eddie read the December minutes, and a motion was made and passed to accept the report.
Treasurer’s Report;
By Mike Fox
Mike read the financial report, and a motion was made and passed to accept the December financial report. As always, the financial books are open for everybody to review.
Historian’s Report;
Herman gave a report on the efforts to name station one after Fire Chief Art Westerfeld, our longest tenured Chief and one that turned AFD into a modern fire department. The naming of city buildings and offices is a project started by Mayor Keller with the ABQ is Us initiative. We feel it will take some time to get this done, but Mayor Keller is already on board with the project.
Committee Reports;
Funeral Committee,
Christmas Committee, The Christmas dinner was a big success and a big thank you goes out to everyone that helped. Eddie Abeita gave a thank you to James Parra, Emiliano Chavez, and Skip Navarrette for donating door prizes and decorations.
Museum Committee,
Election Committee,
Matters Good for the Association.
Pablo Garcia gave a report on the progress of Chris Chavez’s Ghost bike refurb and said that since Rio Bravo is undergoing a major renovation, we may keep the bike at the museum until the road work is completed.
Greg Gonzales spoke about the upcoming Kitchen Table meeting on January 22 at 6:30 pm at the union hall and said that he will be providing dinner on that night. So, plan on joining the meeting and enjoy a great home cooked meal. No RSVP needed, and don’t forget about Thursday, January 15th’s Kitchen Table meeting at 6:30 pm at 4004 Carlisle NE.
Keep up with events and dates by checking out our website or Facebook page.
Visit our website at afdretirees.com
The meeting was adjourned at 2020.