Mikel Ward is a 20-year veteran of the fire service and currently holds the rank of Chief, having served for nearly 13 years as a Chief Officer in the New Mexico Fire Service. Chief Ward currently serves ENMU-Ruidoso as a Structural Fire Specialist, as well as working as a consultant for fire departments throughout New Mexico. He has a special interest in developing and delivering training and education. Chief Ward has served an adjunct instructor for the New Mexico Firefighters Training Academy for nearly 14 years, served as a National Fire Academy Instructor for the past 10 years, served as the NMIAAI Training Committee Chairman for 8 years, has an original sitting member seat on the NM Fire and EMS Expo board, as well as many other training accomplishments.

Chief Ward previously served as the Fire Chief for the City of Alamogordo Fire Department, a Senior Fire Inspector/Investigator at the New Mexico State Fire Marshal's Office, a Firefighter for the City of Alamogordo Department of Public Safety, and a Company Officer and Training Officer for the La Luz Volunteer Fire Department. He maintains certifications in many areas of the Fire Service, but most notably a Certified Fire Investigator for the International Association of Arson Investigators. Chief Ward has been admitted into magistrate, district, and federal court as an expert in firefighting, fire origin and cause and fire science.

Chief Ward holds an Associate's Degree in Fire Science, a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, and is currently seeking admission to the UNM School of Law, to pursue a Juris Doctorate. Chief Ward will be sharing an office with the Wildland Fire Science Specialist, Spencer Baldwin.

Chief Ward will be working closely with the Title V Team to develop the Structural Fire Program for the Ruidoso campus. He can be contacted at [email protected].