1. A. Subject to the exceptions in 10.25.14.11 NMAC , in order for a survivor or survivors to qualify for supplemental benefits from the fund, a firefighters’ death must have been the result of a personal injury sustained in the line of duty. An injury causing death is considered to have occurred in the line of duty if:

   1. (1) it was the result of the firefighter’s authorized activities while on duty, as determined by the department Fire Chief, or authorized designee, and validated by the department human resources director, or in department-authorized training,
   2. (2) it occurred while the firefighter was responding to an emergency or request for assistance,
   3. (3) it occurred during authorized commuting to or from duty in an authorized department or personal vehicle, including rental vehicles, or
   4. (4) there is convincing evidence that the firefighter’s status as a firefighter was a substantial contributing factor to the injury causing death.

[10.25.14.8 NMAC – N, 4/7/2026]