Pharr welcomes back firefighters deployed to California amid blaze

PHARR, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The City of Pharr is welcoming home its local firefighters who traveled to California to help aid the wildfires that are plaguing the state.

A welcome back ceremony was held Tuesday afternoon for the brave firefighters of Pharr who were deployed to assist in combating the devastating wildfires.

Pharr Fire Engine 4 and its crew were activated through the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) and departed for California on Jan. 11.

On Tuesday, the firefighters were greeted with a warm welcome home and escorted by the Pharr Police Department and EMS.

"This deployment is a testament to our firefighters' exceptional dedication and courage, who have worked tirelessly to support communities in need," the city stated.

California continues to fight the blazes along the west coast.

"We take such pride in the mentality of service that our employees consistently demonstrate, and we are honored to welcome them back to our hometown after they sacrificed so much to help our California neighbors in need," said Pharr Fire Chief Pilar Rodriguez. "We are proud to welcome them home."