Mission tightens standards for fire department volunteers

MISSION — Most of the city's 30 volunteer firefighters will not be allowed near a blaze - or even on a truck - anytime soon.

The city commission voted Friday to tighten standards for the program, requiring volunteers to obtain a state certification before going out on calls or doing any work as a firefighter.

Volunteers said they can get that certification, but in order to take the test without going through a formal training academy, they would need to complete 560 training hours as volunteers. Most currently fall short of that requirement, and can no longer complete their hours with the city's fire crews.

City officials said, with a full staff of paid civil service firemen in the city, they could not continue to allow less-trained volunteers to serve in the field.

The firefighters' union had complained to both the chief and the mayor that volunteers, who hold their own rank within their group, were occasionally disrespectful to paid staff.

After the meeting, volunteers formed an ashen-faced knot in the entryway to City Hall. Many had viewed volunteering as a path to someday becoming a paid firefighter.

That door is now essentially closed.

"What are our duties (as volunteers now)?" asked Alberto Juarez. "I'm someone that's going to cheer you on?"

Still, many vowed to pursue their certifications through the aid of volunteer-dependent departments in the smaller cities around Mission.

"Now, it's going to become a pride issue," said James Cardoza, one of the few volunteers who also serves as a part-time paid officer. Current volunteers without certifications may finish their volunteer training hours in Alton, Palmview or La Joya, he said, and then take the Texas Commission on Fire Protection exam.

After that, as fully certified firemen, they could return to volunteer their time - now, without even the $8 per-call stipend they had received.

Paid firefighter Alex Gonzalez said he did not think doing so would make much sense. "If they get certified, the best thing they can do is just apply and join the department," he said.

But Juarez said he would be among those who would try to return to volunteering, just to keep the beleaguered program alive.

"I'm not the kind of person that gives up real easily," he said.

Sara Perkins covers Mission, western Hidalgo County, Starr County and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4472.