It was an emotional night at Questa Village Council meeting on Tuesday night (Jan. 14). Members of the community and first responders packed the room, in anticipation for public comment, where many implored Village leadership to reinstate Raynelle Sanchez Cordova to her former position as Questa EMS Coordinator for the village.
Leadership was unable to respond to the timed public comments from the community as per standard policy for council meetings.
We previously reported that her departure stemmed from a Jan. 3 incident between Sanchez Cordova and Village leadership where she refused to sign a correction and subsequently verbally resigned from her position of EMS Coordinator. When inquired, the village was unable to comment on the incident citing confidentiality of personnel matters.
At the Council meeting on Tuesday night, Administrator Karen Quintana Shannon expressed gratitude to Clerk Valerie Vigil, who is filling the schedule with Sanchez Cordova’s departure while simultaneously holding her own fulltime role. During public comment, however, several members of the community used this statement by Quintana Shannon as an example of how Cordova ensured shifts were filled.
Chase Ingram with the Red River Fire Department started a Change.org petition over a week ago. He spoke publicly at Tuesday night’s meeting on behalf of the 387 verified signatures on record in the petition. “We would be remiss if we did not voice our concerns about the gravity of the situation. We ask that every attempt be made to retain her and repair the necessary relationships to continue the growth and success of this EMS service,” he said.
Area department members in attendance included Latir, Costilla, Amalia, Cerro, San Cristobal, Lama, Red River, and Taos County fire departments. A consistent theme in the concerns raised in public comment included the lack of coverage, response time challenges, and concerns of lack of expertise similar to Sanchez Cordova.
Red River Marshal Jason Rael spoke publicly about his concerns about Sanchez Cordova’s departure. “It would be remiss of me not to come, not even as a former member, but as a resident of the Village. I don’t know what personnel matters went on, and I know those are hard topics, so we’ll stay out of the weeds. I can say this. It’s been an honor and a privilege to see this EMS and Fire department grow in the years that I’ve lived here and supported them.” He continues, “You never know when tragedy is going to strike at your home or one of your family members. Unfortunately for me, my brother was in a bad accident and had it not been for the quick response of the Questa EMS and fire, he wouldn’t be alive today without that golden hour. That is a very true rule. He had a massive head injury and we didn’t know if he was going to live or die. I just want to support Ray because she supported me through some hard times. It’s hard not to get emotional when your heart cares so much. All the volunteer time and hours, the late calls and all that, I have been there and I know the sacrifice my family has made. It would be remiss of me not to stand here and voice my support for the EMS department. It is my strong wish that she would continue to serve as the EMS director.”
Max Ortega, Mayor John Ortega’s father also spoke publicly on the record citing his experience as a former fire department member and leader. He spoke to the traumatic calls first responders have to encounter working in the field. “Those bad calls, they don’t go away. You still see people that you’ve seen die.” He continued “we as a community need to get over whatever issues, we’re having here so we can work together and support each other. I am here for all of you to listen to you.” Max Ortega continued to reiterate the importance of mental health support for first responders.
The Village was unable to comment following the meeting, citing pending litigation.
Following the council meeting, Councilman Jason Gonzalez posted the following to social media, “Thank you to all EMT, Fire Department and Police Services. The surrounding communities of Questa, San Cristobal/La Lama, Red River, Cerro, El Rito, Latir, Costilla and Amalia your work goes a long way without many rewards or thanks. Stepping up as an individual to get called out at all hours of the day takes a whole lot of dedication and love for your community. Ms. Cordova really appreciates your support and so does your communities. To all individuals that may read this, thank public service officer or individual next time you see them in public.”
