Texas Border Business
Pharr, Texas – Pharr officials are pleased to announce that a City of Pharr employee has received an award of distinction from his peers in recognition of his service, commitment, and dedication to the field of firefighting. Pharr Firefighter Jose Perez was recently recognized with the prestigious honor of being named “Firefighter of the Year” by the Rio Grande Valley Firefighter and Fire Marshals Association (RGVFFMA) at its meeting held earlier this month. The RGVFFMA is comprised of 37 fire departments spanning the geographical area from Cameron to Zapata counties. The award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated exemplary service in meeting the criteria for selection, which includes: attitude and work knowledge, creativity ability and innovation, community involvement, heroism and bravery, and department involvement.
Perez, a Marine who was injured in the Iraq war, has served as a firefighter in the Pharr Fire Department for eight years. “When everyone is running away from danger I am running towards it,” said Perez. “Transitioning into the fire department after serving our country, the City of Pharr’s Fire Department helped me find that brotherhood I was missing from my time in the military,” he added.
Perez exemplifies the definition of community and department involvement. As a certified electrician, he recently volunteered his time and expertise to bring a fire victim’s home to compliance after a major fire damaged the home’s electrical wiring — at no cost to the family. He also volunteers his time with the Pharr Police Athletic League as a youth boxing coach and has made the physical fitness training fun by implementing boxing exercises into the program, which his fellow firefighters have enjoyed. Pharr officials, employees and residents should be proud that such a talented firefighter as Perez has chosen to serve in Pharr.
“In Pharr, our employees are the heart of our city’s operations, and it gives us a great sense of pride when one of our own is recognized for their excellent public service,” said Mayor Hernandez. “We are proud of Firefighter Perez, and congratulate him on this award,” he added.
Fire Chief Lenny Perez agreed. “Jose is a very brave and trustworthy individual, and he is a pleasure to work with,” Chief Perez said at a recent City Commission meeting where the award was announced and Perez was met with a standing ovation.
“‘Honor, courage and commitment’ is the creed I live by and just like in the military, I carry it through in my daily life,” said Firefighter Perez. “To me, it’s a great honor to be a part of The City of Pharr Fire Department,” he ended.
