Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz of Tijuana led the National Firefighter Day commemorative ceremony this Friday, August 22nd, where he acknowledged the heroic work of those who risk their lives to ensure the well-being of citizens during emergencies and natural disasters.
In his address, the mayor stated:
“In Tijuana, we have the best firefighters, both men and women. In every event, fire, or rescue, they use their experience and knowledge, their heart and soul, to control the situation and save lives. Their dedication is without distinction, protecting all people and also ensuring care for domestic animals in emergency situations.”
The mayor reiterated that the Municipal Government values the fire department’s work and, as such, has carried out the following actions: establishing 60 new positions for the Fire Department, salary adjustments for trusted personnel—which hadn’t happened in 5 years—as well as the strengthening of equipment and machinery, including the delivery of three new fire engines earlier this year.
Mayor Ismael Burgueño of Tijuana also acknowledged Municipal Ombudswoman Teresita Balderas Beltrán for modifying Special Technical Standard 04, which will provide benefits for nutritional and educational support to the children of firefighters who fall in the line of duty, in keeping with this government’s humanistic vision.
In his speech, the Municipal Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, José Alejandro Avilés Amezcua, highlighted that Tijuana’s firefighters are a symbol of dedication and heroism. He shared news of the acquisition of 550 lightweight structural uniforms for wildfires and rescue, 550 Nomex station uniforms, 100 self-contained breathing apparatus sets, and 27 lifeguard equipment sets.
Meanwhile, Tijuana Fire Chief, Rafael Carrillo Venegas, presented Mayor Ismael Burgueño with a commemorative coin representing the firefighters’ sense of belonging, as well as a helmet:
“This is so you always remember that you have the best firefighters in the country,” he emphasized.
During the ceremony, the mayor also presented checks to outstanding firefighters: Erik Durán Mendoza (firefighter/emergency medical technician), Valeria Félix Raggio (lifeguard firefighter), Julio Uribe Rodríguez (firefighter), Guillermo Gael López Romero (firefighter), and Jeshua Plascencia Vargas (firefighter/lifeguard).
Meanwhile, the President of the Tijuana Pro-Firefighters Association, Xavier Peniche Bustamante, stated:
“Being a firefighter represents one of the most admired and respected professions in our city, and undoubtedly the closest to the people. That recognition is what, over 18 years ago, led a group of people to organize and found the Tijuana Pro-Firefighters Board. Since then, we have worked shoulder to shoulder with the community, convinced that they deserve to be better protected and equipped.”
Lastly, the Councilor President of the Commission for Citizen Security and Civil Protection, Ranier Alejandro Falcón Martínez, recognized the firefighters as an example of passion and selfless dedication:
“The Ismael Burgueño administration is committed to supporting you, providing you with the right equipment, and improving your working conditions so we can grow together and serve the citizens.”
This ceremony was also attended by Municipal Ombudswoman Teresita Balderas Beltrán; Senior Official Nelly del Carmen Pabello Vega; and President of the Plaza Agua Caliente Council, Carlos Bustamante Anchondo; as well as members of the Heroic Fire Department.
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