La Feria Fire Station Expands

 

Two Ground Breaking Ceremonies

The double ground-breaking ceremonies at the La Feria fire station expansion and the debut of the new fire station substation in Bluetown made for an historic moment in the 100-year history of La Feria. Transportation was provided to enable city officials, interested citizens and dignitaries to attend both official events.

Mayor Victor Gonzalez, Jr. presided in his official capacity at both ceremonies. He said these expansions will make the citizens of La Feria and Bluetown safer and more secure against the hazard and peril of a fire in their home or business.

City Manager Sunny K. Philip retraced the process that resulted in this long, sought-after advance for the city of La Feria. Mr. Philip told LA FERIA NEWS that this plan to enhance the La Feria Volunteer Fire Department has been in the works for some three years. He added: “Successful projects like this don’t just happen overnight; it takes the cooperation of many people.”

 

Philip said the first problem of finding a suitable location for the Bluetown Substation was solved by a generous donation of land by Steve Bauer, long-time member of a prominent pioneer farm family and community supporter. Mr. Bauer made the donation in memory of his late father, Isadore Bauer, and his mother, Eva Bauer.

With the land secured, the city obtained the money to build and equip the fire station by issuing a bond to raise the money. The estimated total costs of the two projects were about $l.2 million dollars. “That money is now available and construction will begin immediately,” he said.

Then, City Manager Philip had a few words about the fire department itself. “The La Feria Volunteer Fire Department is manned by all volunteers,” he said, then added: “We have 40 dedicated, trained volunteers working for the department at this time. We will be recruiting and training more to assist at the Bluetown Substation and in the La Feria Main Fire Station.”

The La Feria Volunteer Fire Department does much more than simply put out fires we learned. The fire fighters are also designated “First Responders” when called to assist citizens in medical distress. Out of the La Feria station, specially-trained paramedics operate two fully-equipped emergency vehicles on call 24 hours a day – 7 days a week.

Another personal benefit for the volunteer firefighters is the professional training they receive after being approved for the strenuous service. Their training begins with classes at the Fire Academy in Edinburg. They next get advanced training at Texas A & M College Station–all new volunteers get this course. With that training, they are qualified to join any city fire department in the state and make firefighting their career for life.

“These heroic volunteers, who many times risk their life and health to help others, make life and property safer and more secure for all of us,” Sunny said.

“We salute them for what they do,” he avowed, and added: “Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter for the department can call Chief Greg Hernandez or Assistant Chief, Ron Cathy at (956) 797 2261.