ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It's been nearly 20 years since Mark Chavez retired from Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR). He joined the fire department back in 1983.

He's now spending his days working in a different capacity. “It's kind of a unique thing, and I'm proud to be able to do that and humbled to be able to do that, you know? So it's good," Chavez says.

During his time in the department, he learned a new skill, chainsaw art. “I started making bears, making bears, and giving [them] away to my family members and neighbors, friends, and whatnot. Finally, one day I was at work and one of the paramedics there says, 'Hey, can you make me a bear?' He says, ‘I'll pay you for it,’" explains Chavez.

From New Mexico wildlife to sea turtles, he's worked on more than 15,000 pieces, big and small.

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