Mission

The mission of the Rio Grande City Fire Department is to provide fire services and to protect life and property for the community and citizens of our City.

Functions

The Department shall perform the following functions:

1. Fire prevention. Prevent fire, and detect unsafe fire conditions including violations of the penal ordinances of the City.

2. Fire enforcement. Administer and enforce laws regulating, directing, controlling and restricting the possession or use of fire works and flammable material.

3. Training. Operate a training program to maintain and improve the competency and efficiency of the members of the Department.

4. Incident report preparation. Prepare reports on injuries to persons and property occurring by fire hazards.

Programs

* Professional Department: The Fire Department boasts the best trained and professionally equipped fire department in Starr County. Personnel receive training and are certified by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP). The Department is a "First Responder" and provides basic first aid services in the event of medical emergencies.

* Emergency Management Plan: The City's Emergency Management Plan (EMP) provide basic information to respond in the event of a natural or civic emergency. The Fire Department is charged with the principle responsibility to administer the plan. The department works with various agencies such as the Commission on State Emergency Communications (CSEC) to ensure a rapid response.

* Volunteer Fire Department: The City also operates the Rio Grande City Volunteer Fire Department. In fact, the professional department began as a volunteer force. For information on becoming a volunteer firefighter and training opportunities please contact the Fire Department.

* Fire Prevention Week: Each year during Fire Prevention Week the RGC Fire Department provide educational information to public school students.

Links

* International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)

* National Fire Academy

* Texas Fire Chiefs Association (TFCA)

Director

Ricardo Reyes is a 1995 graduate of Rio Grande City High School and a 1996 graduate of the Rio Grande Valley Fire Academy. He began his fire service as a voluntary firefighter in the department in 1992. He has served as a Firefighter, Driver, Lieutenant and Captain prior to his appointment as Interim Fire Chief in 2002. Reyes is a certified instructor, fire inspector and fire investigator by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and a member of the Rio Grande Valley Fire Academy Association and the South Texas Arson Team. He is an active member of the Rio Grande City Salvation Army and the Rio Grande City Volunteer Fire Department.

Contact

Ricardo Reyes

Rio Grande City Fire Department

910 E. Main Street

Rio Grande City, Texas 78582

Off: 956/487-5312

Fax: 956/488-1117