Texas Border Business
By Selene Rodriguez
South Texas College welcomed more than 400 students and community members to its annual Public Safety and First Responders Expo, a dynamic event that connects aspiring professionals with numerous agencies from across the Rio Grande Valley.
Held at STC’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence, attendees explored career pathways, engaged in hands-on demonstrations and envisioned a future in law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services and more.
“Through our long-standing partnerships with agencies and school districts across the region, we have a unique opportunity to bring everyone together so students can hear directly from professionals in the field and envision a future in public safety,” said STC Public Safety Programs Chair Victor Valdez Jr. “Our goal is to keep the community engaged and provide these spaces to help bridge the gap between students and the careers they aspire to.”
With exciting activities such a K-9 demonstration by the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, virtual reality exercises in shooting and firefighting and displays of law enforcement vehicles, tanks and motorcycles, high school students from districts across the region, from Weslaco ISD to Roma ISD, got a glimpse into life in public safety.
Exhibitors included police and fire departments from throughout the region, along with agencies such as U.S. Probation, U.S. Border Patrol, the Texas A&M Forest Service, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Game Wardens.
Guadalupe Casanova, a police officer with the Brownsville Police Department who also serves as a K-9 handler and drone team member, shared his excitement about connecting with the next generation of first responders.
“We’re so excited to be here and share what we have in terms of technology, especially our drones. The department has a fleet of seven high-quality aircraft, equipped with both thermal and non-thermal cameras,” he explained. “We’re eager to showcase our technology and bring in more people interested in how we use it for public safety.”
The department also showcased its Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, which responds to bomb threats and explosive-related incidents, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycle units and other equipment used by the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.
Casanova added that advanced technology is rapidly growing across many fields in the region, but especially in public safety and he’s excited to see new generations become part of that progress and innovation.
“I think it’s amazing to have this opportunity to show students what we have, how we’re growing and how possibilities are endless,” he said. “Nowadays, we need officers and investigators who can also be drone operators, community outreach specialists and app developers — it’s not just traditional police work anymore. We’re very proud of the diversity within our organization and everything we have to offer.”
This event was especially impactful for Rio Grande City High School senior Brianna Gutierrez, who made a powerful connection with a member of the San Juan Police Department.
“I’m interested in following in my sister’s footsteps into Criminal Justice, but I have a lot of doubts because I love kids,” she said. “I have 27 nieces and nephews; I’m surrounded by children all the time. They’re my weakness, so I know it would be hard for me to pursue a path where I might witness cases of child abuse or neglect.”
A dispatch employee had a heartfelt conversation with her, sharing first-hand experiences of how, through her role, she’s been able to make a difference and help people in critical moments.
“She gave me advice on what I can do, how to shift my perspective and think about the ways I can help children and change lives,” Gutierrez said. “It truly inspired me to keep going, to work through my emotions and make that my goal. It changed my life and deepened my desire to pursue this path.”
For more information on STC’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence and Public Safety programs offered, visit southtexascollege.edu.
