About Us
Standing with Our Volunteers. Strengthening Our Community.
The Bonito Volunteer Firefighters Support Fund (BVFSF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization created to support the Bonito Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) and the dedicated individuals who serve it.
We exist for a simple but vital reason: our volunteer firefighters are the first—and often only—line of defense against wildfires and emergencies in our region. They respond selflessly, without pay, in the middle of the night, during workdays, holidays, and evacuations.
Why We Formed
The BVFD responds to more than 160 calls per year and played a critical role in fighting the McBride and South Fork fires—some of the most destructive wildfires in recent New Mexico history. Their impact is undeniable, yet the funding provided through the New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s Office covers only operating expenses. It doesn’t stretch to the long-term infrastructure, equipment upgrades, or supplemental tools that keep our department strong, safe, and future-ready.
Recognizing this gap, community members came together to form BVFSF, a volunteer-led nonprofit that raises private funds to support the fire department beyond what the budget provides.
What We Do
Our mission is to provide meaningful, sustainable support for the Bonito Volunteer Fire Department by:
Raising private funds for capital improvements, safety equipment, and training
Helping improve the department’s ISO (Insurance Services Office) rating, which could lower insurance premiums and increase fire protection standards for the community
Supporting firefighter wellness, resilience, and readiness
Advocating for the needs of rural emergency services in the face of increasing wildfire risk
Every dollar donated goes directly toward improving the tools, safety, and strength of the BVFD. Our board members are unpaid volunteers, committed to transparency, stewardship, and service.
Why It Matters
In recent years, insurance premiums in Lincoln County have risen dramatically—or disappeared entirely—as companies reevaluate their risk exposure. A strong, well-supported volunteer fire department is one of the most effective ways to improve ISO ratings and protect both lives and livelihoods.
But beyond property values and insurance coverage, this work is about something deeper: trust, responsibility, and a shared investment in the place we call home.
Who We Are
Our board is made up of residents, landowners, and longtime supporters of the Bonito Fire District. We bring diverse experience, shared gratitude, and a common goal: to make sure our firefighters have the resources they need—and deserve—to keep doing their extraordinary work.
Current Board of Directors
Cindi Clayton Davis, Chair
Sean Simpson, Vice Chair
Patrick Guthrie, Secretary/Treasurer
Mike Hanagan
Terry Shaffer
Kathy Garber
Gordon Jumonville
If you’d like to support our mission or learn more, please contact us at bvfsfund@gmail.com or visit our donation page. Every contribution helps protect our firefighters—and the community they serve.