The McAllen Fire Department is hosting several free community events, in celebration of the department’s 100th anniversary, Friday June 7, and Saturday June 8, 2013.
On Friday June 7, McAllen families can visit their neighborhood fire house, between 4 and 8 pm, and learn about fire safety. The following stations will be open for tours on that day:
–Central Fire Station, 201 N 21st
–Station 2, 2811 N. Main (Harvey and Main)
–Station 3, 213 E. Dallas (Cynthia and Dallas)
–Station 5, 5521 N 23rd (Dove and 23rd)
–Station 6, 5500 S. 23rd (Sara and 23rd)
Saturday, June 8, beginning at 10 am, the McAllen Fire Department will host a parade of fire trucks, with participation from neighboring cities, at Westside Park (1000 S. Ware Road). Following the parade and continuing through 7 pm, residents can enjoy several free activities at Westside Park, including a firefighter challenge (open to any fire personnel or resident), a fire safety house tour and games for children and adults. Events also include ‘jaws of life’ demonstrations, forcible entry demonstrations and a medical helicopter show and tell. Barbecue will also be prepared by local fire departments, participating in team competitions.
More about McAllen FD: The McAllen Fire Department adopted its first constitution and bylaws on June 11, 1913. In 1917, Jack Roberts was named the department’s first fire chief with a roster of 24 firefighters. Today, the McAllen Fire Department has 165 certified firefighters, 7 fire stations, and 16 front line units. Rafael Balderas is McAllen’s current fire chief.