McAllen Fire Department to help with training Reynosa FD

Earlier today, the City of McAllen, Texas, U.S.A. and the City of Reynosa, Tamaulipas, MEX, officially renewed their Sister City ties with a new International Initiative that will focus on fire training, donating equipment, and recommitting to providing assistance and technical support in any emergency situation 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 and 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,” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos.  “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.”

City of Reynosa firefighters will not only receive first-hand training from McAllen firefighters, but also, will receive technical support and certificates of participation from the  Texas A&M Emergency Extension  services, which is an internationally recognized leader in the delivery of emergency response and workforce training, technical assistant and economic development.  While some of the training will occur in McAllen, McAFD will also travel to Reynosa, to train and review equipment, fire facilities and layout.

“Fire does not recognize a border and therefore, it is not only incumbent upon us to be ready to respond to our neighbor, but also, to help them be prepared to help keep their community and residents safe from any emergency or natural disaster that they may face.”

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