Herman Bishop – Albuquerque Fire Department

Herman Bishop has been recognized by the Albuquerque Historical Society with an Albuquerque History Accolade for his dedication to serving his country and community – as a soldier, firefighter, leader, historian, and mentor – culminating in the City honor renaming the Fire Marshal’s Office in recognition of his lifelong impact on the Albuquerque Fire Department.

Herman Bishop has spent his life in Service. He served his country, joining the Army at the age of 18. Following basic training, he was sent to Sandia Base in Albuquerque for a high-level position of guarding nuclear weapons, ready to defend the country.

Albuquerque became his home, and he continued to serve his community. In 1960, he joined the Albuquerque Fire Department, and he never left. He continued to improve during his career, graduating from the National Fire Academy in Emmittsburg, Maryland and The Executive Fire Officer Management Program.

Although he retired in 1986 from AFD, he went to Hickory, NC, a few years later to become Fire Chief. That was after serving Albuquerque as a Firefighter, Engine Driver, Lieutenant Captain, District Chief, Fire Marshall and Assistant Chief. Retiring the second time in 1997, he returned home to Albuquerque.

After returning to New Mexico, he attended The University of Albuquerque (now St. Pius HS) and graduated with an associate’s degree in Fire Science, which led to a bachelor’s degree in public administration.

Herman’s association with the Albuquerque Fire Department is continuing to this day. In June 2000, he was instrumental in setting up the Albuquerque Fire Department Retirees Association. He has served as the department’s historian and is the editor of the retirees’ quarterly newsletter.

Herman presented the History of the Albuquerque Fire Department both to the Albuquerque Historical Society in February 2024, and to the latest firefighting cadets in 2025.

On November 7, 2024, Herman Bishop was honored by the City for his lifelong dedication to serving with the Fire Department. The department’s Fire Marshall location was renamed the “Herman Bishop Fire Marshal Office”. His dedicated influence helped to modernize the Albuquerque Fire Department, but he continues to memorialize those who came before him.

Herman served as a soldier first, then as a firefighter. His entire life is dedicated to community. For this, we give him great gratitude and honor him with this  Accolade.