06/06/2026
Alamogordo, NM — Local organizers are issuing a strong call to the public, restaurants, grocery stores, and backyard grill masters to support Otero County’s first responders as they participate in intensive “Response to An Active Shooter Incident” training this weekend.
With only days remaining, donations and volunteers are still needed to provide breakfast and lunch for approximately 70 first responders across two full days of training on Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14. The program, hosted by the Otero County Firefighters and presented by Task Force 1, Inc., will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day and includes classroom lectures, discussions, and realistic simulations covering multiple facets of a mass shooting incident.
Police, fire, Holloman AFB military police, and EMS personnel will train together on coordinated response tactics for these high-stress, fast-paced events. “We all hope this type of incident never comes to Otero, but our heroes are going to be ready if it does,” organizers said. “They will be there to protect you and your children — we need to be there for them.”
Breakfast and Lunch must be supplied by the community. These simulations will drive appetites…
What’s Needed (Summer BBQ Essentials):
• Hamburgers
• Hot Dogs
• Chicken
• Ribs / Brisket
• Buns
• Chips
• Potato Salad
• Macaroni Salad
• Baked Beans
• Desserts
• Drinks / Water
• Ice
• Condiments
• Plates / Napkins / Utensils
Backyard Grill Masters Wanted!
If you have a grill, smoker, flat top, Blackstone, or pride yourself on being a barbecue expert, now is the time to shine. Come out and help cook for the men and women who train to protect our community.
Additional volunteers are needed for setup, serving food, and cleanup.
Event Schedule:
Saturday, June 13
Location: Otero County Emergency Services Building, 1108 Hwy 70 West
• Breakfast (Coffee, doughnuts, hopefully breakfast burritos)
Setup: 7:00 a.m. | Serve: 7:30–8:30 a.m. | Cleanup: 8:30 a.m.
• Lunch (Full BBQ)
Setup: 11:00 a.m. | Serve: 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Cleanup: 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 14
• Breakfast at Old Oregon Elementary School, 1500 Oregon Ave
(Coffee, doughnuts, hopefully breakfast burritos — no cooking on site)
Setup: 7:00 a.m. | Serve: 7:30–8:30 a.m. | Cleanup: 8:30 a.m.
• Lunch at Mountain View Church, 1300 Cuba Ave
Setup: 11:00 a.m. | Serve: 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Cleanup: 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Organizers stress that many people contributing a little will create a big impact. Every donation — even a few packs of buns, a bag of chips, or a side dish — makes a difference.
Restaurants, grocery stores, and individuals who can donate food, drinks, supplies, grills, or volunteer their time are urged to contact (575) 415-0524 right away.
Let’s rally behind our first responders and show Otero County appreciation for their dedication and preparedness. See less
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