ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The New Mexico Gas Company recently launched the Helping Heroes grant program to provide financial assistance to volunteer first responder organizations in New Mexico's communities. Story continues below Podcast: Why New Mexico’s Attorney General is suing Meta, Snapchat Weather: Historic snowfall in New Mexico helps ski resorts open up early Crime: APD: Man fired gun outside Albuquerque restaurant after being asked to leave Community: ‘Finding that one person is challenging’: Balloon pilot searches for liver donor New Mexico Gas Company is committing over $400,000 to the program to enhance the operational capacity and improve response times for volunteer first responders. According to NM Department of Homeland Security and Energy Management, almost 60% of fire departments in New Mexico are volunteer based and with over 30% of residents living in rural areas these volunteers are vital. Applications are currently open and run through December 1, 2024 or until funding runs out. For more information and to apply for a grant, click here.