Texas Border Business
By Selene Rodriguez
Starting his career in fire at just 15 years old, McAllen Fire Chief and South Texas College alumnus Juan Gloria worked his way through the ranks after moving to the United States as a teenager and overcoming language barriers. Today, he leads more than 180 firefighters at the McAllen Fire Department.
A proud Jaguar, Gloria credits STC and his associate degree in Fire Science as an important part of the journey that helped shape his leadership today.
“Having the opportunity to earn my education at STC gave me the confidence to believe in myself and keep going,” he said. “STC is a huge asset for our community. It becomes a hook for many to start their careers and fall in love with the fire service.”
Although he was born in McAllen, Gloria, 48, was raised in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. As the son of a musician, he grew up moving frequently as his father traveled for work.
It was there that Gloria first found himself drawn to the fire service. As a teenager, he began spending time around a local fire station where curiosity quickly turned into purpose. At just 15 years old, he was offered the opportunity to become a firefighter.
“When I started, I just loved it,” Gloria said. “I loved the fire service and helping people. I realized right away this was what I wanted to do with my life.”
When Gloria moved to the Rio Grande Valley in 1996, he was just 17 years old. He spoke little English and had no relatives in the U.S.
He began volunteering with the Hidalgo Fire Department and after earning his Texas firefighter certification in 1997 he was hired by the city of Pharr.
Without a permanent place to live, Gloria spent much of his time at fire stations while continuing his work and training. While working full time in Pharr, he also volunteered and later worked part time with the Edinburg Fire Department where a dorm program allowed volunteers to live at the station while assisting the department.
“That program thankfully allowed me to have a place to stay. I was literally living at the fire station,” Gloria said. “I was very grateful. I stayed involved with the Edinburg Fire Department for nearly 15 years, working part time and building my career.”
In June 2001, Gloria joined the McAllen Fire Department, beginning what would become a decades-long career of service to the community.
By 2015, now a devoted husband and father of three and serving as deputy chief of training, Gloria decided to pursue higher education to further his skills and knowledge. He enrolled at STC to earn an associate degree in Fre Science.
“I didn’t know it at the time, but that degree prepared me for what was coming next,” Gloria said. “It was never my intention to become chief. The opportunity presented itself, but thanks to my degree I felt prepared to take on that responsibility.”
Recognized for his experience and leadership within the department, Gloria was appointed assistant chief in 2020, a role selected directly by the fire chief.
Three years later, when the department’s chief announced his retirement, Gloria stepped in as interim chief before being officially named to the position in May 2023.
“When I first started, I remember thinking about the things we needed and wishing we had more resources,” Gloria said. “Now in this position, I can work toward giving firefighters the tools they need to keep our community safe. The city of McAllen has been very supportive and believed in me throughout this journey, and I’m truly grateful.”
As he approaches his third year leading the department, Gloria says his focus is now on preparing the agency for the future, including plans to renovate facilities and invest in projects that may not become reality until long after he retires.
“Administration is such a different side of the fire service,” Gloria said. “You’re still wearing the uniform and you’re still a firefighter, but the work is completely different.”
Now, he says, the role is about thinking long term and ensuring future generations of firefighters have the tools and resources they need to serve the community.
“In the field, the reward is immediate. You help people. You save a life,” Gloria said. “In administration, it takes time. You’re working on things that may take years to see completed, but knowing those efforts will help firefighters and keep the community safe makes it incredibly fulfilling.”
For more information on STC’s Fire Science program, visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/fire-science/ or call 956-872-6259.
Information source: STC
