Jim Breen has been with the Albuquerque Fire Department for over 23 years and has been the Fire Chief since December 2009. During his tenure as Fire Chief, Jim instituted many reforms that transformed AFD into a premiere emergency response agency. Prior to his appointment, he served as a Battalion Commander for the city’s busiest battalion for the six years. He has extensive experience in Incident Command and Heavy Rescue Operations. He also was directly responsible for the initial development of Albuquerque’s Heavy Rescue Program. Jim had previously been appointed to the mayor’s task force and governor’s commission on matters relating to the fire service and emergency management, and has taught for local colleges and at several EMS and fire service conferences throughout the Southwest United States.

Risking his life for decades to be in service to others, Jim shared thoughts and experiences re: the qualities and traits that make for being in service, how he values the concept of mentoring, strengthening and rebuilding family connections, reconnecting with life post-retirement, and how important it is to realize each of us has a greater purpose.