EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- The Las Cruces Fire Department has a new deputy chief, the department announced Tuesday, Sept. 24. Sean Heck, a 22-year veteran of the Las Cruces Fire Department, has been named deputy chief of administration, the department said. Heck takes over for Deputy Chief Justin Allen who retired in August. “I would like to thank my brothers and sisters at the Las Cruces Fire Department for their support in helping me reach this goal,” Heck said. “In addition, I would like to thank Fire Chief Jason Smith and Deputy Chief Michael Daniels for having the faith in me to succeed in this role.” Heck graduated from the Las Cruces Fire Department’s 22nd Academy in November 2002 and has served in many capacities during his career. He entered the department as the second paramedic and, after his probationary year, became LCFD’s EMS coordinator. Heck’s efforts as EMS coordinator led the department from intermediate level care to paramedic level care certifications, Las Cruces Fire said. In 2007, Heck was promoted to lieutenant and completed a bachelor’s degree in fire science. Heck continued teaching EMS and is credited with helping improve the quality of the EMS program, Las Cruces Fire said. Heck was promoted to battalion chief is 2016 and oversaw the department’s EMS Response Program. During his time as battalion chief, LCFD deployed new equipment to improve care for cardiac arrest and post-cardiac arrest patients. He also oversaw LCFD’s new record management system that has streamlined reporting and improved data gathering. As deputy chief of administration, Heck will continue overseeing all aspects of customer services while handling administrative duties for the department. Heck and his wife, Tonia, have two daughters, Alana and Alexa.