STC celebrates Fire Academy’s 33rd Class

South Texas College Fire Academy has dedicated more than a decade to shaping hundreds of noble and skilled professionals. It remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence in firefighting education, continually expanding its resources.

With cutting-edge technology such as thermal imaging cameras, heart monitor watches, and fire-resistant helmet cameras, this semester’s graduating class recently celebrated a significant completion ceremony where friends and family gathered at STC’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence in Pharr.

“Successfully completing a fire academy requires discipline, dedication, and above all, courage. These cadets have encountered challenges from rappelling down a three-story tower to crawling blindfolded through tunnels and climbing a 100-foot ladder,” remarked Eric Ramirez, Fire Academy instructor and Lieutenant with the McAllen Fire Department. “These are aspects not widely known by many, yet crucial in training. It’s all in preparation to charge into buildings engulfed in fire, smoke and heat, embodying the true essence of what we are named after – firefighters.”

Joined by representatives from local fire departments including McAllen, Edinburg, Roma and Pharr, the eight graduates were honored for completing a rigorous 16-week training program and will now take the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) firefighter license examination next week as the last step to become certified firefighters.

“This isn’t your typical education. Every aspect of your life is truly tested,” said Ramirez to the graduates. “Some days you’ll be exhausted, angry, feeling down. Our calling is rooted in the reality that devastating things do happen, but our purpose is to minimize this damage. We carry these calls with us for the rest of our lives, whether we choose to or not, but firefighters are resilient. We’re always ready to go back and help.”

Among the honored graduates, Cadet Reyes Toscano faced a unique challenge, commuting 58 miles daily from Starr County, supported and encouraged by the Roma Fire Department.

“I began volunteering with them in 2020, and I’ve grown to love the work, especially being able to help people,” the 19-year-old explained. “When I reached the eligible age of 18, they sponsored my education and provided transportation for me to commute to STC every day and complete my fire academy. Initially, I aspired to join law enforcement, but since the age requirement is 21, I pursued firefighting instead. I’m grateful I made that choice. Perhaps in the future, I can still attend the police academy to become a fire marshal, contributing further to my community in Starr County.”

For graduate and army veteran Fernando Perez, becoming a firefighter represents a continuation of a lifelong mission to serve and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

“That’s one of the main reasons I enlisted in the army shortly after high school, because I’ve always believed in the mission of helping people,” the 24-year-old he said. “I don’t really do things for money because at the end of the day, we die, and what’s left is our impact, the impact that we make. So, I want to be part of the change.”

He served for four years in the military, taking pride in reaching the status of Airborne, a specialized unit where soldiers are trained to deploy from aircraft by parachuting into combat. Being ‘airborne’ signifies that a soldier has completed rigorous training and are often part of elite airborne units known for their rapid deployment capabilities.

“I eventually decided to return home because I felt I had achieved many of my goals. I became a leader in my unit and gained valuable experiences, including parachuting from aircraft and deployment,” he shared. “Initially, I aspired to become a teacher. I looked up to them as a formative way to be of service and make a difference. However, I soon realized I desired a more active role.”

It was through a friend’s suggestion that Perez found out that the Pharr Fire Department was hiring. He was then hired and sponsored to attend STC’s Fire Academy program.

“I’m not one to believe in fate, but looking back, it feels like everything fell into place. Growing up, firefighting crossed my mind, and once I delved into what it entailed, I found it amazing,” he said. “STC has been fantastic. From experienced instructors to local fire departments sharing their insights, and a welcoming staff providing immense resources, it’s been a supportive environment. I’m prepared to enter the workforce, and I’m eager to return and volunteer.”

For more information on the STC Fire Academy and other trainings and programs offered at STC’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence, visit southtexascollege.edu/rcpse/ or call 956-872-4208.