Holloman AFB Fire Emergency Services

09/10/2026

08/30/2026

🌙 Celebrating More Than 40 Years of Service — Congratulations, Cheri Ludwick! 🌙

Yesterday, Holloman Fire & Emergency Services had the honor of celebrating the retirement of Cheri Ludwick, a truly valued and beloved member of our FES family.

Cheri began her career on April 9, 1986, as an Air Force firefighter. Fittingly, the day she began her incredible journey happened to coincide with a solar eclipse.

Over the next four decades, Cheri built a career defined by service, dedication, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the mission. She eventually served Holloman AFB as a Battalion Chief, retiring from her firefighting career at the end of May 2006.

But retirement didn't keep Cheri away for long.

In June 2006, she returned to Holloman AFB—this time joining the Emergency Communications Center as a dispatcher. She continued serving in the ECC for nearly two decades, bringing with her the experience and perspective of someone who had spent years on the other side of the radio.

In 2024, Cheri once again stepped forward and accepted a new challenge, promoting to Lead Dispatcher, where she continued to provide leadership, experience, and mentorship to those around her.

Yesterday marked the conclusion of a career that has given more than 40 years of her life to the Federal Government, including decades dedicated specifically to the Air Force, firefighting, emergency communications, and the Holloman community.

During the ceremony, Lt Col Sahagun presented Cheri with her 20-year pin, retirement pin, and retirement award. Lt Call presented her with the IAFF retirement axe, a meaningful symbol of her years of service in the fire service.

Assistant Chief Sheek also spoke to those gathered to witness Cheri's retirement, sharing a little history of her remarkable career and highlighting the many contributions she has made throughout her years of service.

And then came the perfect coincidence.

Cheri began her career under a solar eclipse on April 9, 1986. Her retirement ceremony yesterday fell on a lunar eclipse—completely unplanned, but almost impossibly fitting.

From the Sun to the Moon, her career seems to have been bookended by the heavens themselves. 🌞🌑

But the real story isn't the eclipses. It's the 40+ years of service in between them.

Cheri's career represents an incredible journey—from Air Force firefighter, to Battalion Chief, to dispatcher, and finally Lead Dispatcher. She has worn many hats, served in many roles, and influenced countless people along the way.

Yesterday wasn't simply a retirement ceremony. It was a celebration of service, sacrifice, leadership, friendship, and a lifetime spent answering the call to serve others.

Cheri, from all of us at Holloman Fire & Emergency Services, thank you.

Thank you for the countless hours, the long shifts, the emergencies, the difficult days, the good days, the mentorship, the laughs, and most importantly, for the incredible example you have set for those who followed you.

Your Holloman FES family will forever be grateful for the mark you have left on this organization.

As you begin this next chapter, we hope you enjoy every minute of it. You've given more than 40 years to serving others.

Now it's time to enjoy some time for yourself.

Congratulations on your retirement, Cheri! You've earned every second of it. ❤️🚒🇺🇸

From one eclipse to another—what an incredible way to close an extraordinary career.

08/30/2026

Holloman FES Team Recognized for Exceptional Response to Active Shooter Incident

Today, Lt Col Sahagun had the opportunity to recognize the outstanding performance of the Holloman Fire & Emergency Services team for their recent response to an active shooter incident.

When this call came in, our Emergency Communications Center was immediately faced with an extraordinary challenge. The dispatch team received more calls than you could imagine, quickly filling every emergency line. Additional calls had to be rolled over to the off-base 911 center. Despite the volume, confusion, and chaos, our dispatchers remained calm, professional, and focused. They expertly gathered information and coordinated responses between multiple on-base and off-base responders and resources, including ground and air ambulances.

This writer, who oversees the Emergency Communications Center, will never forget calling into the ECC during this incident. When the BDOC answered the phone, I could hear the chaos in the background. Yet, through everything happening around her, she calmly told me, “The team has it under control.”

That moment said everything.

At the scene, our Chiefs demonstrated exceptional command presence, managing and directing operations in an extremely dynamic and emotionally charged environment. Their leadership allowed our responders to focus on what they had trained to do.

Our firefighters and medical responders put that training into action, utilizing advanced hemorrhage-control techniques to address life-threatening blood loss, stabilize and package the patient, and coordinate air transport and reception by a Level I Trauma Center within the critical Golden Hour.

But their response went beyond the medical emergency.

Amid the chaos, our responders recognized another immediate need: children who had been exposed to the shooting. While managing the injured, coordinating resources, and operating in an extremely chaotic scene, our team had the awareness and compassion to protect, care for, and shield those children from the traumatic circumstances unfolding around them.

I also want to make something very clear: this recognition does not overlook our Security Forces defenders who charged into the scene and did what they were trained to do to make it safe. Their courage and actions were absolutely critical to everything that followed. They will receive the recognition they deserve through their own organization as well. They earned it.

This response wasn't about one person or one organization. It was about multiple teams coming together and doing their jobs exceptionally well when it mattered most. Dispatchers, BDOC, Security Forces, Chiefs, firefighters, medical responders, and our off-base partners all played critical roles in bringing order to an incredibly chaotic situation and caring for those who needed help.

These men and women aren't looking for accolades or pats on the back. They simply did what they were trained and expected to do—and they did it exceptionally well.

But if you see one of these responders, shake their hand and tell them they did a great job.

They earned it.

Lt Col Sahagun, thank you for taking the time to recognize the dedication, professionalism, courage, and compassion demonstrated by the Holloman FES team.

To our dispatchers, Chiefs, firefighters, and medical responders: I am proud of you.

And to everyone who answered that call—you represented Holloman and the fire service exactly the way you should.

Holloman FES — Always Ready. Always There. 🚒🇺🇸

08/30/2026

Today, Holloman Fire & Emergency Services proudly recognizes SSgt Lugo for his outstanding performance during his recent deployment and his well-deserved award of the Air and Space Commendation Medal.
During his deployment, SSgt Lugo consistently demonstrated the leadership, professionalism, and dedication expected of an NCO. He stepped into a position above his assigned rank, accepting additional responsibility and leading from the front when his team needed it most.
While deployed, SSgt Lugo ensured critical exercises were successfully completed, helping maintain the readiness and operational capability of his organization. He also went above and beyond to ensure personnel completed numerous professional certifications, directly strengthening the capabilities and preparedness of those serving alongside him.
Perhaps most importantly, SSgt Lugo's efforts contributed to the protection and operational readiness of more than $1 billion worth of aircraft. That responsibility cannot be overstated. The mission demanded competence, attention to detail, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to protecting both people and critical Air Force assets.
The Commendation Medal recognizes more than a single accomplishment—it recognizes sustained excellence, exceptional service, and the impact an individual has on the mission and those around them.
SSgt Lugo, we are proud to call you one of our own. Your performance during this deployment reflects not only your dedication to the Air Force, but also the professionalism and commitment you bring to Holloman Fire & Emergency Services every day.
Congratulations, SSgt Lugo, on this well-deserved recognition!
Holloman FES is proud of you! 🚒🇺🇸✈️

08/29/2026

Today we recognize and celebrate the promotion of A1C Hogan to the rank of Senior Airman (SrA).

Achieving the rank of SrA is much more than simply meeting a time requirement. It represents years of dedication, sacrifice, and professional growth. This Airmen has successfully completed technical training, adapted to the demands of military life, and proven themselves as dependable members of our team. He has endured long shifts, emergency responses, demanding training schedules, physical challenges, exercises, and countless hours spent honing his skills and knowledge.

As firefighters, he has answered alarms at all hours, trained relentlessly to maintain readiness, and demonstrated the courage and professionalism required to protect lives, property, and mission-critical resources. He has balanced the demands of military service with family commitments, personal goals, and continued professional development.

Promotion to Senior Airman signifies that this individual is no longer simply learning the job—He is becoming the experienced Airmen others look to for guidance, leadership, and example. His hard work, commitment to excellence, and dedication to service have earned him this important milestone.

Please join us in congratulating our newest Senior Airmen on this well-deserved achievement. We are proud of everything he has accomplished and look forward to watching them continue to grow as leaders within our department and the United States Air Force.

Aim High, and congratulations to our SrA Hogan! 🇺🇸🚒✈️

08/29/2026

Today we recognize and celebrate the promotion of A1C Blanchard to the rank of Senior Airman (SrA).

Achieving the rank of SrA is much more than simply meeting a time requirement. It represents years of dedication, sacrifice, and professional growth. This Airmen has successfully completed technical training, adapted to the demands of military life, and proven themselves as dependable members of our team. He has endured long shifts, emergency responses, demanding training schedules, physical challenges, exercises, and countless hours spent honing his skills and knowledge.

As firefighters, he has answered alarms at all hours, trained relentlessly to maintain readiness, and demonstrated the courage and professionalism required to protect lives, property, and mission-critical resources. He has balanced the demands of military service with family commitments, personal goals, and continued professional development.

Promotion to Senior Airman signifies that this individual is no longer simply learning the job—He is becoming the experienced Airmen others look to for guidance, leadership, and example. His hard work, commitment to excellence, and dedication to service have earned him this important milestone.

Please join us in congratulating our newest Senior Airmen on this well-deserved achievement. We are proud of everything he has accomplished and look forward to watching them continue to grow as leaders within our department and the United States Air Force.

Aim High, and congratulations to our SrA Blanchard! 🇺🇸🚒✈️

08/20/2026

B-SHIFT POOL TRAINING 🛟🚒

B-Shift recently conducted pool training focused on the unique challenges firefighters and EMS personnel may encounter during water-related emergencies.

For fire departments, water rescue and pool medical training is an important part of maintaining operational readiness. While drownings and near-drownings are obvious concerns, emergencies around swimming pools involve much more than just the water itself.
Slips, trips, and falls around wet pool decks, ladders, diving boards, steps, and other surrounding surfaces can result in serious injuries, including head, neck, and spinal trauma. Responders must be prepared to safely access the patient, manage the hazards around the pool, and provide appropriate medical care while working in an environment that can be difficult to navigate.

During this training, crews also focused on controlled patient entry techniques designed to minimize disturbance of the water and help maintain cervical spine control when a spinal injury is suspected. Proper water extraction techniques were also practiced, ensuring crews can safely remove a patient from the water while maintaining appropriate spinal precautions and transitioning into effective patient care.
Training in these environments allows our crews to build confidence, sharpen patient-care skills, and understand the challenges associated with working around water.

Great job by B-Shift for continuing to train, improve, and prepare for the unexpected. The best time to develop these skills is before the emergency happens.

Don't worry, A-shift is completing their training shortly.

Train hard. Stay ready. Take care of our community. 🚒💪

08/18/2026

Congratulations, SrA Constante! 🎉

Holloman Fire & Emergency Services proudly congratulates SrA Constante on his selection for promotion to Staff Sergeant!
Being selected as an NCO is about much more than putting on another stripe. It represents the trust placed in you to lead, mentor, develop, and take care of the people around you. It means stepping forward when leadership is needed, making sound decisions, holding others accountable, and setting the example for those who will follow.

For SrA Constante, that responsibility is nothing new.
He has already demonstrated the qualities of an NCO while serving as an Airman. Through his actions, professionalism, willingness to step up, and commitment to the mission, he has consistently shown that he is capable of leading others and filling the role long before the rank officially catches up with him.
That is what we love to see in our Airmen—someone who doesn't wait for a stripe to start leading.

As you move into the NCO corps, SrA Constante, we know you will continue to set the example, take care of your people, and contribute to the strength and success of Air Force FES.

Congratulations on a well-deserved promotion to Staff Sergeant! We are proud to have you on this team and look forward to watching you continue to grow as an NCO and leader.

Congratulations, SSgt Constante! Welcome to the NCO corps! 🔥🚒

08/09/2026

Today we recognize a huge milestone for Amn Negron Santos as he officially completed his Rookie Book and earned his regular helmet and shield.

Finishing a rookie book is no small accomplishment. It represents countless hours of training, studying, hands-on learning, and proving yourself day in and day out. It takes dedication, resilience, and a commitment to becoming a dependable member of the fire service team.
Earning your regular helmet and shield signifies that you’ve moved beyond being “the rookie” and have demonstrated the knowledge, work ethic, and professionalism expected of a firefighter.

Congratulations to Amn Negron Santos on this outstanding achievement. We’re proud of the hard work he has put in and look forward to watching him continue to grow in the fire service.

Well earned!

08/07/2026

Today we recognize and celebrate the promotion of several outstanding Airmen and Firefighters to the rank of Senior Airman (SrA).

Achieving the rank of SrA is much more than simply meeting a time requirement. It represents years of dedication, sacrifice, and professional growth.

These Airmen have successfully completed technical training, adapted to the demands of military life, and proven themselves as dependable members of our team. They have endured long shifts, emergency responses, demanding training schedules, physical challenges, deployments, exercises, and countless hours spent honing their skills and knowledge.

As firefighters, they have answered alarms at all hours, trained relentlessly to maintain readiness, and demonstrated the courage and professionalism required to protect lives, property, and mission-critical resources. They have balanced the demands of military service with family commitments, personal goals, and continued professional development.

Promotion to Senior Airman signifies that these individuals are no longer simply learning the job—they are becoming the experienced Airmen others look to for guidance, leadership, and example. Their hard work, commitment to excellence, and dedication to service have earned them this important milestone.

Please join us in congratulating our newest Senior Airmen Charles on this well-deserved achievement. We are proud of everything they have accomplished and look forward to watching them continue to grow as leaders within our department and the United States Air Force.

On a side note, his fellow SrA may have been REALLY eager to tac his new stripes on, but it was all a show and he nicely tacked them on.

Aim High, and congratulations to our newest SrA! 🇺🇸🚒✈️