Texas Border Business
By Selene Rodriguez
More than 300 high school students explored career opportunities during this year’s South Texas College Public Safety and First Responders Expo, an annual event that connects students with agencies in law enforcement, fire service and emergency medical services.
“We’re planting the seeds. For some students, this is the moment that sparks their interest. These interactions help them see what’s possible and, for some, confirm this is exactly what they want to do,” said Victor Valdez, STC Public Safety Programs department chair. “The goal is for them to discover what they want to do. If that path leads them to STC, we’re here to help.”
Dozens of local, state and federal agencies gathered at STC’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence in Pharr to take part in the well-known event, which has been held for more than 10 years and has built strong relationships with the community.
“The agencies love it, and so do the schools. We’re proud of this event because it brings everyone together,” Valdez added. “It gives agencies a chance to connect with students and with each other, something they don’t often get to do.”
More than 10 high schools from across the region attended the expo, including groups from Pharr, Mission and La Joya, giving them a chance to explore career opportunities.
From helicopter demonstrations by the Texas Department of Public Safety to motorcycle demonstrations by the Pharr Police Department, K-9 exhibitions by the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office and forcible entry and firefighting demonstrations by the STC Fire Academy, attendees got an up-close look at a variety of career paths.
Palmview High School senior Daniela Garcia said the firefighting demonstrations helped her better visualize what a career in the field looks like.
“I’m more interested in a career in law enforcement, though. I’m still trying to decide what branch, but I liked seeing the different options and getting a better perspective of each one,” she said.
For others, the event brings them back to where it all began.
That is the case for Angel Uribe, a graduate of STC’s first Dual Credit Fire Academy in 2025 with Mission Consolidated Independent School District, who began the program during his senior year of high school and recently started working with the Mission Fire Department as a certified firefighter.
“It feels great to be back. I’m proud of myself and happy I took the initiative to invest in my future, and now it’s starting to pay off,” Uribe said. “I want to tell students it’s worth the opportunity.”
Officer Marisa Zepeda, a 2023 STC Police Academy graduate now working in the crime unit with the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, returned to the expo for the third consecutive year to share her experience with students interested in law enforcement.
“For me, it’s an accomplishment. Being able to give back to my alma mater is something special,” Zepeda said. “I tell students not to overthink it and if law enforcement is what they want to do, start as soon as they can.”
For more information on STC’s Public Safety opportunities, visit southtexascollege.edu/rcpse/ or call 956-872-4208.
Information source: STC
