Peer Support Group
AFDRA’s Peer Support Group consists of 8 retirees that have gone through training to help our members navigate life’s problems and issues that we all go through, but with the compounding effect of the stressors and traumas that we experienced during our careers. The peer support group members training does not qualify them as trained professional mental health care clinicians, but our program is supervised by Patrick McKinney who is a trained mental health care clinician. If you are in crisis, and feel like harming yourself or others, please seek help immediately by contacting Patrick McKinney, 505-929-9779, or any mental health care clinician, or by calling the Suicide Crisis Hotline at 988.
If you would like to reach out to one of our peer support group members and just talk to someone that may have gone through the same issues that you are experiencing, please call any one of our members listed below for a one-on-one confidential conversation.
Greg Gonzales, 505-261-6633
Morris Gutierrez, 505-977-8201
Gilbert Louis, 505-250-3960
Kerry Murphy, 505-250-9235
Anthony Nuanez, 505-573-0490
Tom Romero, 505-980-0359
Mike Romo, 505-453-5544
Donny Sanchez, 505-228-3286
Kitchen Table Meetings
The Albuquerque Fire Department Retirees Association (AFDRA) is excited to announce the initiation of our Peer Support Program and Kitchen Table Meetings. Built on the “Two In, Two Out” principle, we emphasize the importance of solidarity among firefighters, committed to supporting each other through shared experiences.
The Kitchen Table Meetings provide a safe space for both retired and active firefighters to connect, share stories, and address the emotional challenges faced in the fire service and beyond. With trained peer support leaders facilitating the meetings, we aim to foster a network dedicated to improving the well-being of our fire family.
Our mission is to assist retired and active firefighters in achieving healthier lives through peer support and access to professional resources when needed. Join us as we strengthen our community and enhance our emotional health together. You will find that you are not alone, and that many of our members are going through the same doors that you are going through. Let’s remember: “You go…we go.”
Kitchen Table Date and Times
April
Monday, April 7th and 21st at 10 am at Cosmos, 2721 San Mateo Blvd NE
Please park on the south lot in front of the SCBA Store
Thursday, April 10th at 6:30 pm at 4004 Carlisle Blvd NE
Thursday, April 17th and 24th at 6:30 pm at the Union Hall
May
Monday, May 12th and 19 at 10 am at 2721 San Mateo Blvd NE
Please park on the south lot in front of the Scuba Store
Thursday, May 1st and 8th at 6:30 pm at the Union Hall
Thursday, May 22nd and 29th at 6:30 pm at 4004 Carlisle Blvd NE
Retiree Assistance Program (RAP)
The Albuquerque Fire Department Retirees Association recognizes the importance of receiving behavioral or counseling services. With this in mind, the AFDRA has developed a Retiree’s Assistance Program (RAP) that is modeled after IAFF Local 244’s Members Assistance Program (MAP). This program is designed to take the financial burden off of an AFD Retiree requesting assistance by providing help with their insurance co-pays. Simply contact our Treasurer Mike Fox at (505) 385-7292 or afdratreasurer@outlook.com to arrange co-payments directly to your health care provider.