McAllen FD to help train Reynosa firefighters

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Cities of McAllen and Reynosa, Mexico have renewed their Sister City ties with a new international initiative.

The initiative will focus on fire training, donating equipment and providing assistance and technical support in any emergency that may threaten lives and property.

First established on July 4, 1992, this 30-plus-year relationship has encompassed many facets of cooperation, cultural exchange, joint tourism, economic support and shared initiatives over the years.

Both McAllen and Reynosa city leaders look to strengthen the cooperation between their respective fire departments.

"While McAllen and Reynosa's official Sister City relationship is only a few decades old, the cultural, economic, and familial ties that cross the border have united our two cities for as long as our cities have been established," McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos said.

Reynosa firefighters will receive first-hand training from McAllen firefighters and will receive technical support and certificates of participation from the Texas A&M Emergency Extension Service. Texas A&M Emergency Extension Service is an internationally recognized leader in the delivery of emergency response, workforce training, technical assistance and economic development.

"Whether it is responding to emergencies, like we did in the 1967 PEMEX fire explosion, or enjoying the culture and cuisine of our mutual cities, McAllen is there for Reynosa and vice versa, like we have always been and will always be," Villalobos said.

The majority of the training will occur in McAllen. McAllen Fire Department personnel will also travel to Reynosa to train and review equipment, fire facilities and layout.