Command Staff
Fire Chief - Wendy Servey
The Los Alamos County Council unanimously affirmed the appointment of Wendy Servey as the new Los Alamos County Fire Chief during the Council Regular Session on May 6, 2025. Servey, began her career at Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) since 2006, brings a deep well of experience, technical expertise, and leadership to the position.
"I'm honored to serve the members of the Los Alamos Fire Department and community, including Los Alamos National Laboratory during this time of transition. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team of fire professionals and County leadership to provide stability and ensure we’re well-positioned to excel in our mission." Fire Chief Servey said.
LAFD is one of the largest career fire departments in Northern New Mexico. The all-hazards emergency response organization provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials mitigation, aviation rescue, fire prevention, fire investigation, code enforcement, public education, and domestic preparedness planning. LAFD serves the County, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Bandelier National Monument with a career staff of 177 personnel (166 uniformed/11 civilian) and operates out of 5 stations, along with a training station.
For 19 years Chief Servey has served the Los Alamos Fire Department, as a paramedic, inspector, investigator, and Captain, however, the last eleven years she has progressed in leadership roles to fulfill assignments as Battalion Chief of Safety, Operations, and Fire Marshal, Deputy Fire Chief of Operations. Prior to her time with LAFD, she began her fire and emergency services career in 1997 with EMS/Fire Departments in Ohio to include Cleveland EMS, Coventry Fire near Akron, Ohio. In 2004, Chief Servey relocated to New Mexico to accept a position as a firefighter-paramedic with Santa Fe County Fire Department. Chief Servey holds an Executive Fire Officer (EFO) certification from the National Fire Academy 2019, has a Bachelor of Science in Technology from Bowling Green State University (BGSU), and holds Associates degree in Fire Science from Central New Mexico Community College (CNM).
wendy.servey@lacnm.us
Acting Deputy Fire Chief - Timothy Johnson
timothy.johnson@lacnm.us
Division Chief (Wildland) - Van Leimer -
van.leimer@lacnm.us
Division Chief (Fire and Life Safety/ Fire Marshal) - Colorado Cordova - Colorado Cordova was raised in Northern New Mexico. After completing high school, he attended Adams State College in Colorado, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Following his graduation, Colorado worked as a Law Enforcement Park Ranger with the U.S. National Park Service and received his training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Georgia. In 2006, Colorado joined the Los Alamos Fire Department, where he advanced through the ranks to Firefighter I and II, Paramedic, Driver Engineer, and Captain. In 2025, he was promoted to Division Chief/Fire Marshal. Colorado is a certified Fire Marshal through the International Code Council and holds a Fire Inspector III certification from IFSAC. He has a daughter and two sons and currently lives with his partner.
Division Chief (Safety) - Todd Forsythe grew up in southern California. After graduating from Arrowhead Christian Academy he studied business at Cal State University, San Bernardino. After working as a manager for Big 5 Sporting Goods he decided to pursue a career in fire and put himself through California State Fire Academy. He was hired on with the USFS and was a wildland firefighter for six seasons in the San Bernardino National Forest. After not being able to secure permanent employment with the forest service he moved to Havasu City, Arizona where he was a manufacturing manager for Sterilite for five years. In 2000 he took a position with Intel, where he worked as a Team Leader while also earning his Associate’s degree in Engineering. Todd never lost the desire to be a firefighter however, and he decided to follow his true calling and was hired on by Los Alamos Fire Department in 2008.
During his 13 years with LAFD Todd has ascended to the ranks of Firefighter I and II, Driver Engineer, Captain, and Division Chief. He is also a member of the specialty Hazmat team and is an EMT-I.
Todd lives in Jemez Springs with his wife Cheryl and their two dogs. His pride and joy are his two sons, who are both attending Arizona State University; Cole is pursuing a degree in Business and Jake in Computer Science. Todd enjoys restoring vintage vehicles, off-roading, and riding his resto-mod Ford Bronco, being outdoors, and spending time with his wife.
todd.forsythe@lacnm.us
Division Chief (EMS) - Manuel Pacheco - EMS Division Chief Manuel E. Pacheco is a dedicated EMS professional with 19 years of experience in fire and emergency medical services. As the EMS Division Chief for the Los Alamos Fire Department, he leads the department's emergency medical operations, prioritizing top-tier care and training for the community. Manuel’s career includes 12 years as a Captain and five of those years as the EMS Training Captain. With 14 years as a practicing Paramedic, he has developed deep expertise in emergency response and training. He serves as an Instructor Coordinator for the University of New Mexico (UNM) and is certified as an AHA Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Instructor, ensuring that EMS personnel are exceptionally prepared for critical situations. His years of experience in a busy ambulance service provided him with invaluable hands-on expertise in high-pressure environments. He also holds certifications as a Certified Ambulance Compliance Officer and Privacy Officer, ensuring regulatory compliance and the protection of patient information. A proud husband and father, Manuel is married with three children—two sons and a daughter. His commitment to his family reflects the same dedication he brings to his profession, where he continually strives to advance the quality of emergency medical services and training for his department.
manuel.pacheco@lacnm.us
Division Chief (LANL Training) - James Thwaits was born in Albuquerque, NM and moved to Los Alamos in 1985 where he lived until 1989 when he moved to Colorado. After graduating High School, James proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. He joined the Los Alamos Fire Department in 2006. James has climbed the ranks from Fire Fighter, Driver Engineer, Captain, to his current position as the Division Chief of Training. He has been part of the LAFD Technical Rescue Team, HAZMAT team, SCBA Team, Communications Team, and Bike Team. James currently has an A.A.S in Fire Science and is working on his Bachelor’s degree. James lives in White Rock with his wife, Katie, and their youngest daughter, Kailey; their oldest daughter, Kelsey, is a graduate of LAHS, UNM, and William and Mary Law, and is a licensed attorney in both New Mexico and California.
james.thwaits@lacnm.us
Acting Training Chief - Aaron McNiff
Aaron.Mcniff@lacnm.us
Battalion Chief - Jeffrey Marshal Saiz was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado; raised in Pojoaque, New Mexico and now resides in Santa Fe. Jeff graduated from Pojoaque High School in 1993 and studied Biology at the Colorado University at Boulder. He graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry in 2003. Jeff worked as a Game Warden for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish for 3 years. In 2005, after he experienced a fire in his home, Jeff decided to pursue a career in professional firefighting and joined the Los Alamos Fire Department in January 2006. He has achieved the ranks of Firefighter I & II, Driver Engineer, Captain and in November 2021, he was promoted to Division Chief. Jeff has served on many specialty teams and received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Fire Science and an Associates of Applied Science degree in Paramedicine while with LAFD. Jeff is married to his wife Marissa, has three sons Zachary, Zayden and Zavery and two dogs Ava and Buddy.
jeff.saiz@lacnm.us
Battalion Chief - Ray Gandara began his career with the Los Alamos Fire Department in 2008. Through dedication, hard work, and a deep commitment to service, he has risen through the ranks - from Firefighter to Driver Engineer, then Captain, and now proudly serves as Battalion Chief. Throughout his career, Ray has been deeply involved with the department's Specialty Technical Rescue Team and has served as a Paramedic.
Ray credits his success to the unwavering support and sacrifices of his family. He is especially grateful to his parents, whose love and dedication provided a strong foundation for him and his brother. Ray's brother, a Captain with the department, has always been by his side, both personally and professionally. His loving wife has been a constant source of strength and has made countless sacrifices during his years of service. Together, they are raising two wonderful sons who are a true blessing in their lives.
ray.gandara@lacnm.us
Battalion Chief - Matt Munoz
matthew.munoz@lacnm.us