Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) – The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration has awarded 59 local public entities funding for an additional 190 firefighter and EMT positions across the state. The $24.9 million in grants will help offset the cost of new firefighter and EMT salaries for three years. The NMDFA says, increasing the number of paid firefighters and EMTs will improve response times, department capacity, and Insurance Services Office ratings. Awarded entities can use the funding to create a pathway to transition volunteer firefighters to full-time paid firefighters for their communities.